Netanyahu Announces Hostage Deal Reached After Last-Minute Hurdles

Gaza: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Friday that a deal has been reached to return hostages held in Gaza. This comes after some last-minute issues were reported in finalizing a ceasefire that has been in the works for 15 months.

Netanyahu plans to meet with his security Cabinet and then the government to get the long-awaited hostage deal approved. His statement seems to pave the way for Israel to agree to the deal, which would pause the fighting in Gaza and see many hostages released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. It would also allow many displaced Palestinians to return home.

On the same day, Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed at least 72 people in Gaza. Netanyahu mentioned that a special task force is ready to receive the returning hostages, and their families have been informed about the deal.

Earlier, Israel postponed a vote on the ceasefire, citing a last-minute dispute with Hamas. Tensions within Netanyahu’s government have been rising, especially after U.S. President Joe Biden and Qatar announced the deal was complete. Netanyahu’s office accused Hamas of trying to gain more concessions, while Hamas denied these claims, insisting they are committed to the ceasefire.

The ceasefire has faced strong opposition from Netanyahu’s far-right coalition partners. National security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir even threatened to resign if the ceasefire was approved. His party’s departure would weaken Netanyahu’s coalition, but it wouldn’t necessarily derail the ceasefire.

Egypt’s Foreign Minister has urged both sides to implement the ceasefire plan without delay, emphasizing Egypt’s role as a mediator. The deal aims to end a 15-month conflict that has caused significant instability in the region.

The war began after Hamas launched a cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of around 1,200 people and the taking of 250 hostages. Israel’s response has led to over 46,000 Palestinian deaths, with many being women and children.

Netanyahu is under pressure to bring home the hostages, as their families have been vocal about prioritizing their release. However, divisions within the Israeli government are evident, with Ben-Gvir calling the ceasefire “reckless.”

Palestinians in Gaza reported heavy bombardment on Thursday, with many expecting intensified attacks as ceasefire talks progressed. The Health Ministry in Gaza indicated that the death toll from the strikes could be higher than reported.

The deal reached on Wednesday outlines a phased approach to releasing hostages and withdrawing Israeli forces. However, Hamas has stated that it will not release the remaining captives without a lasting ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal.

Long-term questions about Gaza’s future remain, including who will govern the territory and how reconstruction will be managed. Israel faces criticism for the civilian toll in Gaza, while Hamas is under pressure from the ongoing conflict and loss of leadership. The situation remains tense, with the potential for continued violence if the war persists.