The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) said its forces under are prepared for the next step of releasing Hamas terrorists, as part of the hostage exchange deal in Gaza, by "strengthening the defense in the various sectors, conducting field surveys and preliminary warning calls."
Hamas informed Israel regarding the identity of three hostages slated to be released through Egyptian and Qatari mediators, having backed down from its threat on Thursday to delay the next release of captives.
The IDF said that 35 gunmen were killed during operations in Jenin, Tulkarem, and the Tamun area, while 15 others were killed in drone strikes. The IDF also admitted to "mistakenly" targeting civilians, including a toddler, during these operations, The Times of Israel reported.
In another major development, Israel said that Gazans will not be able to return north amid a dispute over the release of a civilian Israel had expected to be freed Saturday. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement says it is holding 29-year-old Arbel Yehud.
The Israeli government has approved the ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas, according to a report by Times of Israel. In a vote of 24-8, the cabinet approved the deal, which is set to take effect on Sunday. The deal was approved in the early hours of Saturday.
Israel's cabinet has postponed a key vote on the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal until Saturday, with a smaller security cabinet vote scheduled for Friday, according to a report by CNN.
While speaking with ANI, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said, "I think everyone would welcome the ceasefire. We will have to see if it sticks long, if it lasts. We have seen brief ceasefires before, including when hostages were released."
Israel's Minister of National Security and far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir strongly criticised the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, calling it "reckless." He said that the deal would undermine the achievements of the war and emphasised that if the deal is approved, his party, O
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken described the Israel-Hamas ceasefire as a moment of "tremendous relief" for Israelis and Palestinians and noted that the current administration has laid a strong foundation for success, which will be handed over to the "incoming administration."
"This deal, which was announced yesterday in Doha, Qatar, is the result of the hard work of the three partners: Qatar, Egypt and America," the Charge d'affaires of the Embassy of Palestine to India, said.
Following the ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, crowds took to the streets of Tel Aviv. In a display of unity, people were seen singing songs and expressing their relief.