JUST IN: Israel’s Security Cabinet Votes For Ceasefire with Hamas

Abir Sultan/Pool Photo via AP

Israel’s security cabinet officially ratified a ceasefire agreement in a vote on Friday, marking a crucial step toward resolving the 15-month conflict with Hamas.

The deal, which hinges on an exchange of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons, includes an initial six-week pause in hostilities.

The decision came after a tense delay that raised concerns of potential derailment. These fears were fueled by sharp disagreements within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, with hardliners threatening to undermine months of delicate negotiations.

“This agreement is a critical step forward, but it’s also fragile,” a senior Israeli official said.

With the security cabinet’s approval, the agreement now moves to the full cabinet for a final green light. If all goes as planned, implementation will begin on Sunday, starting with the release of the first group of hostages and prisoners.

Under the initial 42-day phase of the agreement, Hamas has committed to releasing 33 hostages, a group that includes children, women—among them female IDF soldiers—and individuals aged over 50. In return, Israel has agreed to free 50 Palestinian prisoners for every female Israeli soldier released by Hamas, and 30 for other female hostages.

This story is breaking and will be updated.