Hamas, ‘Israel’ Officially Sign Deal, To Take Effect Monday

A deal between “Israel” and Hamas to release captives held in Gaza and initiate a ceasefire was formally signed by negotiators in Doha on Thursday, Axios reported, citing two sources familiar with the matter. However, the Israeli government is not expected to vote on the agreement until Saturday night.

The delay in the vote will push back the start of the ceasefire and the release of the first three captives, from Sunday to at least Monday, Israeli officials stated.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was reportedly informed by the negotiating team that the agreement had been reached. His office confirmed this in a statement on Friday morning. Netanyahu has also instructed the captives coordinator to collaborate with the relevant government ministries to prepare for the hostages’ release, as per the report.
 
The deal was signed by representatives from “Israel”, Qatar, and Hamas, according to a source informed about the matter as reported by Axios. Brett McGurk, President Biden’s top Middle East adviser, signed on behalf of the United States.

Driving the news

Israeli officials stated that the security cabinet is set to meet on Friday morning to vote on the deal, followed by a full cabinet meeting on Saturday night.

According to Israeli law, Palestinian detainees cannot be released without a government vote. If the deal is approved, there will be a 24-hour period for the public to challenge the decision in court.

Netanyahu is expected to secure a majority in both votes, even if Smotrich, Ben-Gvir, and cabinet ministers from their parties oppose the deal.

An aide to Netanyahu noted that due to the schedule, the ceasefire and the release of captives will be delayed from Sunday to Monday, as per Israeli media.

Amid these circumstances, Israeli media quoted the families of the captives urging the government not to delay finalizing the deal, saying: “Every night is a terrifying nightmare… Do not delay their return, not even for one more night.”

The report also noted that, in connection with the deal’s implementation, an Israeli delegation—comprising officials from Shin Bet and the Israeli military—will travel to Cairo on Friday to engage in discussions regarding the Philadelphi Corridor and the Rafah crossing.

According to i24news, a list of Palestinian detainees serving life sentences, who are set to be released as part of the prisoner exchange deal, has been finalized.

Hamas accuses ‘Israel’ of stalling Gaza ceasefire implementation

The implementation of the newly agreed ceasefire in the Gaza Strip is facing hurdles, with senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri accusing “Israel” of attempting to stall the process.

Abu Zuhri dismissed statements from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office as unfounded, noting they were aimed at obstructing progress.

Earlier on Thursday, Netanyahu’s office alleged that Hamas was violating parts of the ceasefire agreement and seeking additional concessions at the last minute.

The Israeli occupation announced it would withhold approval of the agreement until mediators confirmed Hamas’s full compliance with all its terms.

“These statements have no basis whatsoever. They represent an Israeli attempt to slow down the implementation of the agreement,” Abu Zuhri told RIA Novosti.

Rising tensions

In light of these delays, Israeli airstrikes continued to devastate the territory, killing dozens.

Gaza’s Health Ministry reported on Thursday that Israeli strikes had killed at least 72 people since the ceasefire deal was announced. Ministry officials noted that this figure included only bodies transported to two hospitals in Gaza City and warned that the actual death toll was likely higher.

“Yesterday was a bloody day, and today is bloodier,” said Zaher al-Wahedi, head of the ministry’s registration department.