The prime minister’s office said that if the deal passes, the ceasefire could start Sunday and the first hostages could be freed then too.
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM — The Israel’s security cabinet has approved a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal on Friday, recommending that the wider government give its final green light, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.
“After reviewing all the political, security and humanitarian aspects, and understanding that the proposed deal supports achieving the objectives of the war, (the security cabinet) has recommended that the government approve the proposed framework,” the office said in a statement. The full cabinet will convene later Friday to decide on the deal.
The deal now goes to the full Cabinet of ministers for final sign-off. It is expected to OK the ceasefire, which could start as soon as Sunday, even though it has drawn fierce resistance from Netanyahu’s far-right coalition partners. Their objections could destabilise his government, however.
Mediators Qatar and the U.S. announced the ceasefire on Wednesday, but the deal hung in limbo for more than a day as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing opposition against the agreement from his far-right allies. — With inputs from agencies
