The Israeli government met tonight to vote on a draft agreement with Hamas. According to media reports, this provides for a four-day ceasefire and an exchange of 50 Hamas hostages for at least 140 prisoners in Israel. Both sides are concerned about the release of women and minors. Hamas had already conveyed its consent to mediators in Egypt and Qatar.
Fighting in the Gaza Strip will continue after a possible impending ceasefire, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The war will continue even after an agreement with Hamas is implemented “until we achieve all our goals,” Netanyahu said Tuesday evening before the cabinet vote.
Israel’s objectives include the elimination of Hamas and the return of all hostages. Moreover, there must be no more threat to Israel in Gaza.
Ten hostages released every day?
According to Israeli media reports, civilians held in the Gaza Strip will be released gradually: ten people per day. The release of Palestinian prisoners must therefore also take place gradually.
The deal also reportedly allows 300 trucks carrying food, medical supplies and fuel to enter the Gaza Strip. Hamas said it had agreed to the agreement.
Government approval is very likely
Hamas has kidnapped around 240 people in the Gaza Strip and killed 1,200 in its unprecedented terrorist attack on Israel. The Israeli army has now entered the coastal strip with thousands of soldiers – with the aim of debunking and destroying the Islamist terrorist organization.
In Israel, government approval of an agreement is considered likely. Since a change in the law in 2014, a yes from the entire cabinet is required for a prisoner exchange. Accordingly, early release of prisoners is only possible under strict conditions, for example if it serves national security or is part of a foreign policy agreement.
Victims’ families can be thwarted
It was unclear whether an agreement would be announced immediately after Tuesday evening’s cabinet meeting. A government spokesman said families of affected terror victims had the option to appeal to the High Court within 24 hours. “Under Israeli law, the families of terrorist victims who are in Israeli prisons and have blood on their hands have the right to appeal their release to the Supreme Court within 24 hours,” the spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, another 25,000 people in the Gaza Strip are estimated to have fled from the north to the south on Monday. Thousands had to camp outside despite heavy rain because the emergency shelters there are overcrowded, the UN aid agency OCHA reported on Tuesday. Many people settled with their few possessions in front of and next to the shelters in the hope of being relatively safe there and of getting food and drinking water.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
