Netanyahu Confirms Agreement to Free Hostages Held in Gaza

Tel Aviv/Panjab Post
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced early Friday that a long-awaited deal to release hostages held by militants in the Gaza Strip has been finalized. This development follows earlier reports of last-minute complications delaying the approval of a ceasefire aimed at halting the 15-month-long conflict. Netanyahu stated that his security Cabinet would convene later in the day to formally approve the agreement. The deal marks a critical breakthrough, paving the way for a temporary cessation of hostilities in Gaza. It includes the release of dozens of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Additionally, it allows for the return of hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to what remains of their homes in the heavily bombarded territory. However, the situation in Gaza remains dire, with Israeli airstrikes reportedly claiming at least 72 lives on Thursday alone. Netanyahu has directed a special task force to prepare for the hostages’ return and assured their families that the agreement has been finalized.
The ceasefire’s approval was delayed Thursday due to a dispute with Hamas over the deployment of Israeli forces in the Philadelphi corridor near Egypt, as well as rising tensions within Netanyahu’s government. While Israeli officials accused Hamas of reneging on certain terms to secure additional concessions, Hamas denied the allegations, asserting its commitment to the agreement. Key coalition partner and far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir opposed the deal, warning it would compromise Israel’s security. He threatened to resign if the ceasefire proceeded, a move that could destabilize Netanyahu’s government.
The agreement follows concerted efforts by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty called for immediate implementation, urging both sides to honor their commitments. Egypt, a longtime mediator between Israel and Hamas, played a pivotal role in negotiations.
The war, which began after Hamas’ deadly cross-border attack in October 2023, has claimed thousands of lives on both sides. Gaza’s civilian population has borne the brunt of the conflict, with over 46,000 Palestinians reportedly killed and vast swaths of the territory left in ruins. Nearly 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced, facing dire conditions in makeshift shelters. Netanyahu has faced immense domestic pressure to secure the hostages’ release, with their families demanding that politics take a backseat to their loved ones’ safe return. Despite internal divisions and fierce resistance from far-right coalition members, the agreement offers a glimmer of hope for families and a potential step toward de-escalation in the region.