Israeli government announces approval of ceasefire

The Israeli security cabinet has officially approved the agreement regarding the hostage crisis and ceasefire in Gaza.

Following the decision, the hostage exchange and ceasefire process expected to take place between Israel and Hamas will officially begin.

Under the agreement, while Israeli hostages held by Hamas are to be released, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails are also planned to be set free. Officials stated that the process will be carried out under the coordination of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Following the Security Cabinet's approval of the ceasefire agreement, the Council of Ministers convened.

The Israeli government also approved the ceasefire in Gaza. In the Israeli cabinet, 24 ministers voted in favor, while 8 ministers voted against it.

The agreement was accepted after a 7-hour meeting.

After 15 months of attacks, the hostage exchange will be carried out and the ceasefire will last for 6 weeks.

THE CEASEFIRE AND HOSTAGE EXCHANGE AGREEMENT BETWEEN ISRAEL AND HAMAS

Qatar, one of the mediating countries, announced on January 15 that an agreement had been reached between Israel and Hamas on a ceasefire and hostage exchange in Gaza.

The agreement will come into effect as of Sunday, January 19. In the first 42 days of the 3-phase ceasefire agreement, 33 Israeli hostages will be released.

The agreement includes the comprehensive delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip as well as the ability for displaced Palestinians to return to their regions.

The details of the second and third phases will be announced upon the completion of the first phase.