Security Cabinet recommends approval of Gaza ceasefire
GAZA – Israel’s security Cabinet recommended approval Friday of a Gaza ceasefire deal after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed an agreement had been reached that would pause the 15-month war with Hamas and release dozens of hostages held by militants there. Netanyahu’s office Friday evening said the meeting of the full Cabinet had begun. It was expected to approve the ceasefire, which could start as soon as Sunday. The ceasefire has drawn fierce resistance from Netanyahu’s far-right coalition partners, but their objections could destabilise his government.
Mediators Qatar and the US announced the ceasefire Wednesday, but the deal hung in limbo for more than a day as Netanyahu insisted there were last-minute complications he blamed on Hamas. The militants maintained they were “committed” to the deal, while residents of Gaza and families of the hostages anxiously waited to see whether it would materialise.
Hamas triggered the war with its October 7, 2023, cross-border attack into Israel that killed some 1,200 people and left some 250 others captive. Nearly 100 remain. Israel responded with a devastating offensive that has killed over 46,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, who do not distinguish between civilians and militants but say women and children make up more than half of those killed. (Jamaica Gleaner)