• Israel's security cabinet has approved a ceasefire deal with Hamas following intense negotiations.
• The agreement facilitates the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
• If finalized, the ceasefire is expected to begin on Sunday, marking a temporary halt in the 15-month conflict.
• U.S. officials are optimistic about the deal, despite last-minute tensions between Israeli and Hamas leaders.
• The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with calls for increased aid to civilians displaced by fighting.

Israel's security cabinet has ratified a ceasefire agreement aimed at halting the ongoing conflict with Hamas, which has devastated the region for over 15 months. The deal, announced on January 17, 2025, facilitates the release of dozens of hostages held by Hamas and allows for a temporary pause in fighting. Following mediation by U.S., Qatar, and Egypt, the agreement is aimed at pausing hostilities and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office released a statement indicating that if the deal is confirmed by the full cabinet, the ceasefire will go into effect on Sunday, with the first phase involving the release of 33 hostages over upcoming weeks. Approximately 250 hostages are currently thought to be in Hamas custody following their abduction on October 7, 2023, during a surprise attack.

However, the backdrop to this agreement remains fraught with tension. Netanyahu's government has faced opposition from hardline members, such as Interior Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who have threatened to resign over the deal, citing fears that it jeopardizes the war’s objectives against Hamas. This inner-party conflict mirrors the broader challenges in reaching a lasting peace in the region after extensive violence, which has resulted in over 46,000 Palestinian deaths and widespread destruction in Gaza.

Under the agreement, for every female soldier released, Israel is set to provide significant numbers of Palestinian prisoners, with an emphasis on humanitarian assistance. Aid efforts are projected to increase with approximately 600 trucks of relief supplies expected to enter Gaza daily. Hamas has faced criticism and internal pressure, as Palestinian families await the return of their loved ones while grappling with the ongoing humanitarian crisis exacerbated by Israeli airstrikes.

Despite the political maneuvering and operational challenges ahead, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed optimism about the ceasefire's potential success, citing that the implementation is on track to begin as arranged.

The implementation of this crucial deal stands at the intersection of humanitarian needs and escalating political pressures, with the potential to reshape the Gaza landscape amidst the prolonged conflict.

For more detailed updates, follow the live coverage on Reuters.