Israel's government approves deal for Hamas to release remaining hostages in Gaza in exchange for over 2,000 prisoners, advancing peace agreement terms

Israel's government approves deal for Hamas to release remaining hostages in Gaza in exchange for over 2,000 prisoners, advancing peace agreement terms

Israel's government has approved a deal that requires Hamas to release the remaining hostages in Gaza in exchange for the release of over 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. This agreement, part of a broader peace plan brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, marks a significant step towards ending the devastating conflict in Gaza. The approval came after days of intense negotiations between Hamas and Israeli officials, facilitated by Egyptian, Qatari, Turkish, and U.S. mediators. The deal, which includes a ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli troops, and the exchange of prisoners, was agreed upon by both parties. The Israeli government will now begin the process of pulling back its troops to a designated line in Gaza, with a formal ceasefire expected to take effect after Thursday's cabinet meeting. According to the agreement, Hamas will have 72 hours to release the remaining hostages, including 20 alive and 28 deceased, without public ceremonies. In addition, Israel will authorize the release of some 1,700 Gazans arrested after the October 2023 attacks, along with roughly 250 Palestinians serving life sentences. The deal excludes members of Hamas' Nukhba force and prominent commanders who participated in the Oct. 7 attacks. The agreement has been welcomed by both sides. President Trump has expressed optimism about the deal, stating that "the whole world came together" to secure the Israel-Hamas peace deal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also praised the plan, calling it a "diplomatic success and a national and moral victory." However, the timeline for the release of the hostages remains uncertain. Hamas has flagged the improbability of quickly locating all deceased bodies, some of which are buried under rubble. Despite this, preparations are already underway to receive the hostages, with rooms at medical centers in Tel Aviv prepared to receive the victims. The deal also includes a recovery plan for the hostages, broken down into five stages based on professional experience and knowledge acquired from previous abductees. This plan includes preliminary preparations to receive the victims, the first 24-hour period they are in the hospital following their release, the necessary amount of time required for their hospital stay based on an individual’s needs, a transition phase lasting up to a month, and long-term support. The agreement comes at a critical time for both Israel and Hamas, as the conflict has been catastrophic for Gaza's two million residents and has exhausted Israelis, isolated their country internationally, and fueled an alarming rise in antisemitic violence across the globe. The successful implementation of this deal could pave the way for a more stable and peaceful Middle East.