Israeli cabinet backs Gaza ceasefire, hostage release deal, despite hard-line opposition

After months of intense fighting, Israel's cabinet has given final approval to a ceasefire agreement with Hamas that will pause the conflict in Gaza and lead to the release of dozens of hostages.

The decision came late Friday following a lengthy five-hour meeting that stretched into the Jewish Sabbath. 

Earlier in the day, Israel's security cabinet had already backed the deal, paving the way for the broader government approval despite protests from some hard-line cabinet members who threatened to resign.

According to Qatar's foreign ministry, the ceasefire will begin Sunday at 6:30 am GMT. 

The pause in fighting arrives as Palestinian health officials report nearly 47,000 deaths since the war began following Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel that killed more than 1,100 people.

The agreement outlines a 42-day ceasefire period during which Hamas will release 33 hostages, including women, men over 50, and those needing medical care. 

In exchange, Israel will free 737 Palestinian prisoners, many held on charges like inciting terrorism or throwing stones. 

Those serving life sentences for murder will be released in later phases.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initially delayed the cabinet vote, claiming Hamas had added new conditions. 

However, these issues appear resolved, leading to Friday's successful approval.

While Netanyahu has secured support from much of his cabinet and the opposition for ending the war and freeing hostages, he faces mounting pressure from the more conservative coalition members who oppose the deal. 

Some within his own Likud party may join the opposition if Hamas maintains control in Gaza, which is a significant concern given Netanyahu's previous vow to destroy the terrorist group.

The announcement sparked celebrations in both Gaza and Israel, though violence has continued. 

Israeli airstrikes killed 116 Palestinians since the deal was announced, according to Palestinian Civil Defence. 

Strikes killed two people at a southern Gaza camp, while projectiles launched from Yemen triggered air raid sirens across central Israel.

A monitoring committee in Cairo, featuring representatives from the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, will oversee the deal's implementation.