**Israel Approves Ceasefire Deal with Hamas**
The Israeli government has approved a new ceasefire deal with Hamas, which will allow hostages to be released and allow aid trucks to enter Gaza. The decision was made after many hours of discussion on Friday evening.
According to the Prime Minister‘s Office, the security cabinet had earlier recommended ratifying the agreement, saying it “supports achieving the objectives of war“. The agreement was finalized two days after Qatar, the US, and Egypt announced it as a mediator.
**Hostages to be Released**
In the first phase of the six-week deal, 33 Israeli hostages held by Hamas will be exchanged for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners currently in Israeli prisons. This includes civilians, women, soldiers, and children who have been held captive for 15 months.
Israeli forces will also begin to withdraw from densely-populated areas in Gaza, allowing displaced Palestinians to return home and aid trucks to enter the territory.
**Three-Phase Structure**
The ceasefire deal is structured into three phases:
1. The first phase, which starts on Sunday, will see the release of hostages and a partial Israeli troop withdrawal.
2. The second phase, starting on day 16, will result in the release of remaining hostages, a complete Israeli troop withdrawal, and “the restoration” of calm.
3. The final phase will be the reconstruction of Gaza, which could take many years.
**Reactions from Hostage Families**
Some hostage families have expressed anxiety and division over the three-phase structure, fearing that their relatives will be left in Gaza once the first phase has been completed. They urge the government to implement the second and third phases to bring everyone back home and end the war.
**Gaza Situation**
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with widespread destruction, severe shortages of fuel, food, medicine, and shelter due to a struggle to provide aid to those in need. Over 46,870 Palestinians have died in Gaza since October 7, 2023, when Israel launched a massive campaign to destroy Hamas.
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