Israel PM Netanyahu confirms deal with Hamas to secure release of hostages

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Jan 17 that a deal had been reached to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza by militants, overcoming last-minute obstacles in finalizing a long-awaited ceasefire that would pause 15 months of brutal conflict.

His statement followed earlier reports of snags in negotiations but now paves the way for Israel’s security Cabinet to meet and vote on the agreement.

The deal, which involves a temporary halt in fighting, is set to release dozens of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. Additionally, the agreement will allow displaced Palestinians in Gaza to return to the ruins of their homes, while humanitarian aid will be able to enter the war-torn territory.

A ceasefire marred by violence

Despite the breakthrough, Israeli airstrikes continued to bombard Gaza on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of at least 72 Palestinians. Local health officials, who do not differentiate between civilians and militants, said women and children were among those killed, raising the toll of lives lost in the 15-month war.

The ceasefire agreement has been fraught with tension, particularly within Netanyahu’s ruling coalition, where far-right partners have expressed fierce opposition. In a sign of growing divisions, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threatened to resign if the deal was approved, describing the ceasefire as “reckless” and harmful to Israel’s long-term security. Netanyahu, however, has pressed forward, citing the necessity of bringing hostages home.

The hostage exchange

Under the terms of the ceasefire, about 33 of the remaining 100 hostages held in Gaza are to be released in the coming weeks. In return, Israel has agreed to free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The release of hostages, which will happen in phases, is seen as a major concession by both sides. However, a second phase, involving the release of Israeli soldiers held by Hamas, is expected to be far more challenging.

The deal also calls for the partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from several areas in Gaza, allowing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who had fled the fighting to return to what remains of their homes. While the first phase is intended to ease humanitarian suffering, many in the Israeli government remain skeptical about Hamas’ long-term intentions.

Pressure building on Netanyahu

Domestically, Netanyahu has faced mounting pressure from the families of hostages, who have urged the prime minister to put their release ahead of political concerns. The hostages’ ordeal began in October 2023 when Hamas launched a cross-border attack that killed 1,200 people and led to the capture of at least 250 Israeli hostages.

The war that followed has claimed the lives of over 46,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities. The conflict has devastated Gaza’s infrastructure, leaving most of its 2.3 million residents homeless and struggling to survive in makeshift camps.