Israel’s cabinet has approved a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, scheduled to begin on Sunday. Most ministers voted for it, but Ben-Gvir, Smotrich, and Amsalem of the Likud voted against. But there is less certainty whether the deal will ever reach additional stages.
Israel’s security cabinet has approved a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, scheduled to begin on Sunday, marking the first significant breakthrough in the ongoing conflict since hostilities resumed in 2023. The deal, mediated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, stipulates a 42-day truce. It involves the exchange of 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children, and the elderly, for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. However, the agreement faces domestic backlash and skepticism about its long-term viability.
Details of the Agreement
The ceasefire agreement outlines a phased approach, with the first stage focusing on the release of 33 Israeli hostages, most but not all alive. In return, Israel will release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, prioritizing women and minors. But the list also includes 50 security prisoners for each female soldier and 30 for each civilian freed. Humanitarian provisions are also included: the deal permits the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes in Gaza, opens border crossings for increased aid, and ensures the delivery of medical supplies, food, and fuel to the war-torn enclave.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the decision in a late-night address, stating, “The release of our captives is a national priority. While this agreement comes with painful concessions, we are committed to bringing our citizens home.”
The decision followed extensive negotiations mediated by regional and international powers. U.S. officials, including National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, were directly involved in the discussions. Sullivan described the agreement as “a step toward de-escalation,” while warning, “Real peace requires more than a ceasefire—it demands accountability, trust, and a commitment to security for all.”
Domestic Turmoil
The deal has sparked a political firestorm within Israel. Far-right members of Netanyahu’s coalition, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have vocally opposed the agreement. The Likud’s Dudi Amsalem joined them in opposition to the deal. Both have threatened to resign if the deal goes beyond the first phase, and fighting does not resume, citing the risks posed by releasing Palestinian prisoners, some of whom have past involvement in terrorism.
Ben-Gvir, addressing supporters in Jerusalem, declared, “We are handing over dangerous individuals who could return to terrorism. This is a betrayal of Israeli security and the values we stand for.”
Political analysts warn that these resignations could destabilize Netanyahu’s government, which relies on far-right support to maintain its parliamentary majority. The internal dissent highlights the fragile nature of the coalition, already under pressure from public dissatisfaction over the handling of the war.
Concerns Over Security
The release of Palestinian prisoners has reignited fears of future security threats. Many Israelis remember past instances where released prisoners returned to militant activities. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant sought to reassure the public, stating, “We are taking every measure to monitor and prevent the resurgence of terror activities. The security of Israeli citizens remains our top priority.”
Tossing a bone to critics, Defense Minister Katz released all Israelis held in administrative detention, anticipating an uproar if Palestinian prisoners would be released while Israeli Jews remained in prison.
Critics argue that the ceasefire provides Hamas with an opportunity to regroup. An unnamed senior military official expressed skepticism, saying, “Hamas is weakened, but this pause allows them to rearm and reorganize. They are playing a long game, and we cannot afford complacency.”
Will the Deal Progress Beyond the First Stage?
The most contentious question surrounding the agreement is whether it will ever progress beyond the first stage. The initial phase addresses only a fraction of the hostages held by Hamas, leaving dozens of Israeli citizens still in captivity. For the deal to move forward, subsequent phases would require more extensive compromises, including the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the potential release of additional prisoners.
Netanyahu has been cautious in his public statements, emphasizing the limited scope of the agreement. “This is a humanitarian gesture, not a political solution,” he clarified during a cabinet briefing. Critics argue that his reluctance to commit to future stages reflects his government’s deep mistrust of Hamas and concern over political backlash.
U.S. officials have also expressed doubts about the agreement’s longevity. Former U.S. Middle East envoy Dennis Ross commented, “The ceasefire is fragile because it’s based on mutual distrust. Neither side is genuinely committed to long-term peace at this stage.”
Hamas, for its part, has framed the agreement as a victory. A spokesperson for the group stated, “We have secured the release of our people and brought Israel to the negotiating table. This is a testament to our resistance.” However, the spokesperson did not address whether Hamas would abide by the terms of future phases, adding to the uncertainty.
International Reactions
The ceasefire has elicited mixed reactions from the international community. The United States has publicly supported the agreement, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken calling it “an important step to save lives and alleviate suffering.” However, Blinken also warned, “The real test lies in the weeks ahead. Both parties must demonstrate a willingness to engage constructively.”
Qatar and Egypt, key mediators in the deal, have expressed optimism but acknowledge the challenges. An Egyptian diplomat involved in the negotiations remarked, “This agreement is a house of cards. One misstep from either side could bring it all down.”
Within Israel, public opinion is sharply divided. Families of hostages have welcomed the deal as a lifeline. One father, whose teenage daughter is among the captives, told reporters, “We have waited every day for this news. No price is too high to bring our children home.” Conversely, critics argue that the concessions undermine Israel’s deterrence.
The Humanitarian Dimension
The deal offers a temporary respite for Gaza, where civilians have borne the brunt of the conflict. The United Nations has described the situation as a “humanitarian catastrophe,” with thousands displaced and basic infrastructure decimated. The ceasefire allows international organizations to deliver much-needed aid, but questions remain about whether these efforts will be sustainable.
In Israel, the public remains wary of the agreement’s broader implications. Many fear that the humanitarian provisions could embolden Hamas while failing to address the root causes of the conflict. Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the deal, stating, “This ceasefire is a band-aid solution. Without a clear strategy for Gaza’s future, we are setting ourselves up for another round of violence.”
Path to Peace or Prelude to More Conflict?
The ceasefire highlights the broader challenges of achieving peace in the region. Experts agree that without addressing underlying issues—such as Hamas’s control of Gaza, the Palestinian Authority’s diminished influence, and the lack of a viable political framework—the agreement is unlikely to lead to lasting stability.
Retired IDF General Amos Yadlin summed up the dilemma: “Israel faces an impossible choice. Do we continue fighting to dismantle Hamas at the cost of more lives, or do we pause and risk strengthening them? Either way, the road ahead is fraught with danger.”
23 live hostages and 10 bodies, for how many dead ISRAELIS down the pike when Hamas attacks again? How many MORE hostages? How many more young IDF personnel? There IS no “deal” there; just another victory for Hamas, and more grief and loss for Israelis!