Image courtesy: Times of Israel 

Tel Aviv - The Israeli Cabinet has given approval for a ceasefire with Hamas, which includes the release of approximately 50 hostages held by militants.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the decision as challenging but the right one during an extensive cabinet meeting. The government aims to bring all abductees home and has outlined the first stage of this plan, with the release of at least 50 individuals, including women and children, over a four-day period. The statement notes that the release of an additional ten abductees will correspond to an extra day of respite.

Hamas has welcomed the "humanitarian truce" proposed by Israel, emphasizing its alignment with the resistance's vision to serve the Palestinian people. However, the statement does not provide details on potential concessions made by Israel, such as the release of Palestinian prisoners or the entry of additional fuel and aid into Gaza. Before the vote, Netanyahu mentioned that U.S. President Joe Biden had contributed to improving the framework of the agreement.

Despite the tentative agreement's inclusion of a five-day truce, involving a complete ceasefire on the ground and a cessation of Israeli air operations over Gaza (except in the north, with a daily six-hour halt), it faces opposition. Families of the hostages insist on the return of all individuals held, and the Religious Zionist party within Netanyahu's coalition government opposes the deal, considering it detrimental to Israel's security. Netanyahu acknowledged meeting with hostage families and expressed understanding of their distress.

Reports suggest that the proposed agreement entails the release of 50 to 100 Israeli and dual-national civilians in exchange for around 300 Palestinian women and children currently in Israeli jails. Netanyahu emphasized the ongoing nature of the conflict, with the objective of destroying Hamas and securing the return of all hostages. The conflict, which began on October 7, saw Hamas militants entering Israel, resulting in casualties and hostage-taking. Israel responded with airstrikes and a ground invasion, leading to significant loss of life and widespread destruction in Gaza.