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Israel and Hamas have signed a ceasefire deal. Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office has confirmed this. There will be a security cabinet meeting today regarding the deal. The government will approve it on Saturday. After this, ceasefire will come into effect from January 19.
Earlier on Thursday, the Israeli cabinet was to meet to approve the ceasefire deal. However, PM Benjamin Netanyahu had canceled the meeting regarding the demands of Hamas. Netanyahu had alleged that Hamas was reneging on the terms of the agreement at the last moment.
According to Israel Times, Hamas had raised the issue related to the identity of Palestinian prisoners, which was later resolved. Earlier on Wednesday, it was confirmed that the hostages were released and the ceasefire deal was finalized.
This deal will be completed in 3 phases. In the first phase, 33 Israeli hostages will be released. In return, Israel will also release 250 Palestinian prisoners. Israeli army will also withdraw from Gaza.
Israeli security minister opposed the deal
Israel’s National Security Minister and right-wing leader Ben-Gvir Itamar has come out against the ceasefire deal with Hamas. On Thursday evening Ben-Gvir threatened to withdraw support from the government if the deal was approved.
According to Israel Times, Gvir has called the agreement with Hamas a great negligence.
What was to happen in the deal?
According to the deal, the first phase of ceasefire will be for 42 days. In the first phase, Hamas will release 33 Israeli hostages. In return, Israel will also release 250 Hamas prisoners. Also, the Israeli army will retreat 700 meters from the Gaza border.
Negotiations for ceasefire were going on in Doha, the capital of Qatar for the last several weeks. Egypt and America were also involved in this conversation. According to Al Jazeera report, Qatar PM Thani met representatives of Hamas and Israel on Wednesday, after which the deal was completed.
Hamas will release the remaining hostages 15 days after the release of the first phase of hostages. Meanwhile, both sides will talk about permanent ceasefire.
Credit war between Biden and Trump
US President Joe Biden and newly elected President Donald Trump on Wednesday claimed credit for the ceasefire. The White House also included Trump’s representative in this deal. Posting on social media, Trump said that this historic agreement was possible because of our victory in the presidential elections.
Trump said that this deal is evidence of my administration’s efforts to establish peace and ensure the security of America and its allies.
Whereas Biden, while mentioning the deal in his last speech from the White House, said that-
Our diplomatic efforts for ceasefire never stopped. This agreement became possible only after increasing pressure on Hamas, change in regional equations and ceasefire in Lebanon. This is the result of America’s diplomacy.
Before his inauguration, Donald Trump had given an ultimatum to Hamas to cease fire.
Deal brokered by Qatar and America
This agreement was negotiated in Doha, the capital of Qatar, with the help of Egypt, Qatar and America. Israel was represented by Mossad Chief David Barnia and Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar. At the same time, on behalf of America, Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and Biden’s envoy Brett McGurk were present here.
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