Israel’s security cabinet has voted to approve a hostage release-ceasefire deal with Hamas in Gaza, paving the way for a potential end to the conflict.
The deal, announced on Wednesday, is set to take effect on Sunday afternoon and involves the release of 95 Palestinian prisoners, including 10 teenagers, in exchange for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
The first phase of the three-part deal is expected to last six weeks, with Israel releasing 70 female and 25 male prisoners.
However, not everyone is in favour of the deal, with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir voting against it.
Despite the progress, tensions remain high, with Hamas accusing Israel of trying to foil the deal through intensified aerial attacks on Gaza.
Since the ceasefire was announced on Wednesday, Israeli strikes have killed 117 people and injured over 266, according to Gaza’s Civil Defense spokesperson Mahmoud Basal.
Truth Live News reports that the deal is seen as a crucial step towards ending the conflict, which has resulted in significant humanitarian suffering and loss of life.