The cabinet led by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave the green light this Thursday, October 9, to the agreement for the Gaza Strip formulated by US President Donald Trump, for the return of the kidnapped.
“The government has now approved the scheme for the release of all hostages, both alive and dead,” Netanyahu’s office announced in a brief post on the social network X.
The cabinet vote was delayed for more than three hours due to disagreements between far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir over the release of convicted Palestinian prisoners during a prior meeting with senior Israeli intelligence officials.
In fact, shortly before the agreement was approved, Ben-Gvir confirmed on social media that he would vote against it along with the ministers of his party, Otzma Yehudit, since the release of"thousands of terrorists" is an "unbearable price to pay."
“In my conversations with the prime minister over the past few days, I made it clear that under no circumstances will I be part of a government that allows Hamas to continue to rule Gaza. This is a clear red line. The prime minister has committed to me to ensure this,” he said.
As previously confirmed by Israeli government spokeswoman Shosh Bedrosian, the ceasefire is expected to come into effect 24 hours after cabinet approval, with a 72-hour window subsequently opening for the release of those held hostage in the enclave.
In return, Israeli authorities will release 250 Palestinian prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment and more than 1,700 Gazans detained after October 7, 2023, including minors.
Netanyahu met with US Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner shortly before the Cabinet meeting began.
