Israel-Hamas ceasefire latest: Netanyahu’s cabinet prepares to vote on hostage deal
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The Israeli security cabinet has recommended approving the Gaza ceasefire and hostage return deal. A statement from the office of Benjamin Netanyahu said the approval comes “after examining all political, security and humanitarian aspects” and with the “understanding that the proposed deal supports the achievement of the war’s goals”.
The Israeli prime minister told the security cabinet that he had received unequivocal guarantees from both Joe Biden and Donald Trump that if negotiations on phase two of the deal fail then the US would back a return to fighting in Gaza, according to Israeli media outlet Ynet.
The full 33-member cabinet was expected to meet at 3.30 p.m. (13:30 GMT) to give final ratification to the agreement, which the prime minister’s office said is expected to take effect on Sunday. The first phase will see 33 Israeli “humanitarian” hostages released – children, women, female soldiers and the elderly – and Israeli troops withdraw from populated areas of Gaza in exchange for around 1,000 Palestinian prisoners.
