• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Cabinet is set to vote on a crucial ceasefire deal involving Hamas.
• The ceasefire aims to halt ongoing conflict affecting Gaza, with more than 1.9 million residents displaced.
• Netanyahu accused Hamas of trying to "extort last-minute concessions" and delaying the agreement.
• The ceasefire includes provisions for hostages and humanitarian aid but faces skepticism from some Israeli officials.
• U.S. President Biden has endorsed the deal, emphasizing its complexity and the pressure that led to this development.

Israeli Prime Minister **Benjamin Netanyahu** is facing a crucial moment as his Cabinet is expected to vote on a multiphase ceasefire deal with **Hamas**. The vote comes amidst accusations from Netanyahu that Hamas is attempting to "extort last-minute concessions" regarding the terms agreed upon in ongoing negotiations. If approved, this ceasefire could go into effect on Sunday, marking a significant step towards ending over 15 months of conflict in the Gaza Strip, where **humanitarian conditions** have reached dire levels, with U.N. agencies estimating that at least **1.9 million of Gaza's 2.3 million residents** are displaced and the vast majority of housing units destroyed. In support of the deal, Israeli President **Isaac Herzog** stated, "This is the right move... No greater moral, human, Jewish, or Israeli obligation" exists than to secure the return of Israeli citizens, whether they recover at home or to be laid to rest. However, the deal is not without its detractors within the Israeli government. Finance Minister **Bezalel Smotrich** labeled the ceasefire as "a bad and dangerous deal for the national security of the State of Israel," reflecting the deep divisions on how best to handle the ongoing situation. The proposed arrangement includes a **42-day ceasefire**, the release of 33 hostages held in Gaza, the release of **Palestinian prisoners** from Israeli jails, and a phased withdrawal of Israeli military forces. Additionally, there is a framework for improved humanitarian access to civilians in Gaza, reflecting the urgent need for aid as the region copes with the aftermath of extensive military actions which have tragically resulted in over **46,700 Palestinian fatalities**, the majority being women and children. As this complex negotiation unfolds, concern persists not only about the potential for successful implementation of the deal but also about what it means for the long-term dynamics in the region. Families of the hostages have welcomed the announcement with **"overwhelming joy and relief"**, while also expressing anxiety regarding the execution of the agreement. The forum representing hostages' families has urgently called for robust mechanisms to ensure compliance with all phases of the deal. The geopolitical landscape is further complicated by **U.S. involvement**, with President **Joe Biden** announcing the ceasefire deal, stating that it will see the **return of hostages** to their families and increased humanitarian assistance to the Gaza populace. Biden has stressed the arduous nature of the negotiations, which were backed by U.S. pressure on Hamas, indicating a commitment to supporting **Israel** amidst these discussions. As both sides stand at a critical juncture, with the specter of renewed conflict looming, analysts are split on the viability of achieving a long-term resolution, particularly with respect to the longstanding goal of a **two-state solution**. Whether this ceasefire represents a path toward lasting peace or merely a pause in violence remains a contentious and complex query, one that will heavily depend on the actions taken following the Cabinet’s decision regarding the ceasefire agreement. For further details, please refer to the original articles from [VOA News on the Ceasefire Deal](https://www.voanews.com/a/israeli-cabinet-to-vote-on-gaza-ceasefire-deal/7938786.html) and [VOA News on Netanyahu's Accusations](https://www.voanews.com/a/netanyahu-accuses-hamas-of-backtracking-on-gaza-ceasefire-deal/7938816.html).