Israel-Hamas Ceasefire: Israeli Cabinet Prepares to Vote, Paving the Way for Hostage Release

 Israel postponed the vote, stating that Hamas was causing a “last-minute crisis,” though they did not provide further details. Hamas rejected this accusation, affirming its commitment to the hard-fought agreement.

Updated Jan. 17, 2025, 7:14 AM GMT+6

What we know:

Israel's Cabinet will convene tomorrow to vote on a ceasefire and hostage release agreement with Hamas, following a claim from the Israeli government that the delay was caused by a "last-minute crisis" created by Hamas. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office did not provide further details on the nature of the issue.

Hamas has stated that it remains "committed" to the ceasefire deal, which was announced by the mediators.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed confidence that the agreement will be implemented as planned during a briefing today.

This highly anticipated deal, if approved, would begin Sunday and establish a six-week truce, potentially ending 15 months of intense fighting in the Gaza Strip.

The first phase of the agreement would release 33 hostages held in Gaza, including two Americans, and also see the release of Palestinians from Israeli prisons.

Since the announcement, at least 80 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes, according to Gaza's Civil Defense.