Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, announced that a deal has been reached to secure the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip.
This declaration follows an earlier statement from his office revealing that last-minute complications had delayed the agreement, which includes a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Palestinian prisoners.
Netanyahu confirmed that he would convene the security Cabinet on Friday, followed by a government meeting, to finalize and approve the ceasefire arrangement.
Although the Israeli Cabinet was initially expected to vote on the agreement on Thursday, Netanyahu’s office explained that the meeting was postponed due to Hamas reportedly backing out on parts of the deal in an attempt to secure additional concessions.
Details of these renegotiations were not disclosed.
The deal, once implemented, would bring a much-needed reprieve to Gaza, a region devastated by Israel’s military campaign.
The offensive has left vast swathes of the territory in ruins and forced about 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents to flee their homes, with many facing severe food shortages.
Netanyahu’s announcement coincided with remarks from President-elect Donald Trump, who stressed the urgency of finalizing the agreement before his inauguration on Monday.
Speaking in a podcast interview with Dan Bongino, Trump emphasized, “We changed the course of it, and we changed it fast, and frankly, it better be done before I take the oath of office.” He also suggested his intervention was pivotal to advancing the negotiations, contrasting his efforts with what he claimed was inaction by President Biden. “I’m not looking for credit. I want to get these people out,” Trump added. “We’ve got to get them out.”
Challenges Ahead:
The ceasefire, expected to take effect on Sunday, faces lingering obstacles, including a “last-minute crisis” with Hamas, according to Netanyahu.
Beyond the immediate humanitarian relief, the agreement leaves unresolved questions about the blockade on Gaza, imposed by Israel and Egypt since Hamas took control in 2007.
The aftermath of the conflict presents staggering challenges.
The U.N. estimates that over 50 million tons of rubble now cover Gaza — equivalent to 12 times the volume of the Great Pyramid of Giza.
Clearing this debris, which contains unexploded ordnance and human remains, could take more than 15 years even with over 100 trucks working full-time. Moreover, Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that thousands of bodies remain trapped under the wreckage.
The rebuilding process, requiring billions of dollars and access to heavy equipment, faces uncertainties. International donors are unlikely to invest in a region without governance and plagued by five wars in less than 20 years.
For now, the sprawling tent camps along Gaza’s coastline might become a long-term reality.
The extent of the destruction will only become fully apparent when hostilities cease and inspectors gain unrestricted access.
Satellite data from the U.N. estimates that 69% of Gaza’s buildings have been damaged or destroyed, including over 245,000 homes.
