Full Israeli cabinet approves Gaza ceasefire deal

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
18 Jan 2025 01:37
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The Israeli government has greenlit the mediated ceasefire deal with the Palestinian Resistance.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, center, convened his security cabinet to vote on a ceasefire deal after confirming a mediated agreement had been reached with the Palestinian Resistance, on January 17, 2025. (AP)

The Israeli government has formally approved a mediated ceasefire agreement with the Palestinian Resistance, following the green light from the smaller security cabinet.

According to Axios, 24 Israeli ministers voted in favor of the deal, while 8 others opposed it.

The news comes on the 470th day of the war on Gaza and after intense rounds of negotiations that led to a multiphase deal.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed that the government approved the deal, which has been heavily scrutinized by Israeli politicians and commentators. Israeli media outlets reported that the agreement will take effect on Sunday.

Details of the first phase

A Palestinian source disclosed exclusive details to Al Mayadeen regarding the prisoner exchange agreement tied to the ceasefire deal.

Speaking on Friday, the source said that for every female or child captive released by the Palestinian Resistance, 30 Palestinian detainees, including women and children, would be freed from Israeli prisons. Similarly, for every elderly captive aged 50 or older, or for those suffering from illnesses, 30 elderly or sick Palestinian detainees will be released.

The source further elaborated that for each Israeli female soldier released, 30 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and 20 others with lengthy sentences—who have 15 years or less remaining—will be freed.

The initial phase of the agreement focuses on Palestinian prisoners who were previously part of the 2011 exchange deal but were later rearrested by Israeli authorities, numbering 47 individuals.

Additionally, the agreement ensures that Palestinian prisoners freed under this deal would not be rearrested on the same charges for which they were previously detained. They will not be required to serve the remainder of their initial sentences, nor will they need to sign any documents as a condition for their release.