Israel approves six-week Gaza ceasefire for hostage-prisoner exchange deal

The Israeli government has ratified a deal for a six-week ceasefire in Gaza starting Sunday, agreeing to exchange 33 hostages held by Hamas for 737 Palestinian prisoners, following a marathon cabinet meeting that stretched into early Saturday.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed the approval in a statement, despite opposition from far-right coalition members including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who had threatened to quit the government over the agreement.

The first phase of the 42-day deal will see the release of hostages including children, women, and men over 50, with exchanges to be staggered throughout the period.

Nine ill and wounded Israelis will be freed in exchange for 110 Palestinians serving life sentences.

The agreement also provides for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, with deliveries set to reach 600 trucks daily, and allows Palestinians to move freely within the territory, which Israel has divided with a military corridor.

Egyptian state media reported that negotiators from Egypt, Qatar, the US and Israel meeting in Cairo had agreed on all implementation arrangements for the truce.

“This is a vital step on the path to upholding the basic commitment a nation has to its citizens”, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said of the security cabinet’s decision.

The Israeli high court is expected to hear petitions against the prisoner release within 24 hours but is not expected to intervene.