Israel’s Cabinet approves a deal for a ceasefire in Gaza

JERUSALEM - JANUARY 17: (----EDITORIAL USE ONLY MANDATORY CREDIT - 'KOBY GIDEON (GPO) / HANDOUT' - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS----) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chairs meeting as the Israel
Israel's Cabinet approved a deal early Saturday for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of dozens of hostages, which would temporarily halt the 15-month war with Hamas for six weeks. This deal brings both sides closer to ending their deadliest and most destructive conflict.
The approval came just after 1 a.m. in Jerusalem and marks the second ceasefire achieved during the war. If finalized, the deal is expected to begin on Sunday.
While the ceasefire has faced fierce opposition from Netanyahu’s far-right coalition partners, the Cabinet is set to discuss it further for final approval. Their objections could pose a challenge to the stability of Netanyahu's government.
What's next:
The deal would offer relief to the Gaza Strip, which has been severely impacted by Israel’s offensive, leaving large areas in ruins and displacing around 90% of its 2.3 million residents, many of whom face the threat of famine.
The backstory:
On Wednesday, Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire deal, suggesting a pause may be coming soon in the devastating 15-month war in the Gaza Strip and raising the possibility of winding down the deadliest and most destructive fighting between the bitter enemies.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office later said no deal had been reached and that the final details were still being sorted out. In a statement, Netanyahu’s office said that final details were still unresolved, but that it hoped "details will be finalized tonight."