The first phase of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas has led to the return of three Israeli hostages after 471 days in Gaza. Israel views this as a step toward securing the release of all hostages, while hoping for an end to Hamas' control in Gaza.
US President Joe Biden announced the release of three Israeli hostages as part of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel. The deal, initiated in May, also includes provisions for humanitarian aid to Gaza and outlines steps for future negotiations
Highligthing the regional security dynamics, he stressed on the need to stop Iran's "quest" for nuclear weapons. Ambassador Azar also warned that "peace won't prevail" if Hamas is allowed to rearm and regroup.
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said Saturday that Israel is to release more than 1,890 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 33 Israeli hostages in the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Saturday marking the second birthday of Kfir Bibas, who has been held hostage since his abduction at just nine months old.
Earlier on Friday, the Israeli security cabinet approved the hostage release-ceasefire deal with Hamas and recommended the government to adopt it, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office said. The government later approved the deal by a vote of 24-8 during the early hours on Saturday.
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.
The full cabinet is expected to approve it by a large majority, following a meeting that extended into Shabbat. The full cabinet is expected to vote by a large majority to approve the deal, which was signed overnight in Qatar and is set to take effect on Sunday.
The Israeli Prime Minister's Office on Friday shared that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been updated by the negotiating team over agreements reached for the deal on release of hostages.
Leader of the opposition in the Knesset Yair Lapid responded to the threat made by a coalition party to quit the government should it approve the proposed deal for the release of Israelis held hostage in Gaza by promising to support the government in this matter.
Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon discovered weapons depots in several civilian buildings near a United Nations base, the Israel Defense Forces said on Thursday.