Israel Cabinet Votes on Gaza Ceasefire Agreement

Israel's cabinet is poised to approve a ceasefire and hostage-release deal with Hamas, aimed at ending the ongoing war that has resulted in catastrophic loss of life on both sides since the conflict began on October 7, 2023. The proposed truce, set to take effect Sunday, includes an exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, with hopes of finalizing broader peace terms afterward. The war has led to approximately 46,707 deaths in Gaza and 1,210 in Israel, with significant civilian casualties reported. The agreement, facilitated by Qatari mediators, has sparked celebrations among both Israelis and Palestinians, reflecting a desperate hope for relief after more than a year of violence. Israeli officials have indicated a majority support for the ceasefire proposal, while Hamas has expressed that the negotiations were a testament to the resilience of the Palestinian people. As access to aid remains critically limited in Gaza, the ceasefire could allow much-needed humanitarian assistance to reach those affected by the conflict.