TEL AVIV/WASHINGTON - The Israeli government tonight reached a cease-fire agreement with the Palestinian Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip. The deal, brokered by the United States, Egypt and Qatar, is to include the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza since last October. The deal was previously discussed by the Israeli security cabinet, a narrower government body made up of ministers responsible for defence, foreign affairs and internal security.
According to Israeli media, the agreement is expected to include a multi-stage ceasefire lasting several days initially, during which Hamas is expected to release some civilian hostages, mainly women, children and the elderly. In return, Israel would release a limited number of Palestinian prisoners and allow the extension of humanitarian aid to the civilian population of the Gaza Strip. Other phases could follow, depending on compliance with the terms of the ceasefire.
US President Donald Trump said in a statement that "the agreement represents a key step towards ending the violence and returning the kidnapped citizens home". He also called on both sides to "show maximum restraint and do everything possible to protect civilians". According to White House sources, Washington has significantly increased diplomatic pressure on both Israel and Hamas officials in recent days to achieve at least a temporary ceasefire.
However, there are divisions within the Israeli government. Some ministers from nationalist and ultra-conservative parties criticise the agreement as a concession to terrorism. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on the other hand, argues that the ceasefire is 'a necessary step to bring our people back and to create the conditions for further military pressure on Hamas'. At the same time, opposition leaders are calling on the government to be more transparent and to present a clear plan for the period after the fighting ends. A cabinet decision is expected later tonight. If approved, the agreement could enter into force in the next few days.
gnews.cz - GH
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