Israeli Cabinet Approves Ceasefire and Hostage Agreement in Gaza: Live Updates
Relatives of Israeli hostages held in Gaza welcomed the Israeli security cabinet’s approval of the ceasefire agreement on Friday, bringing it one step closer to entering into force. But joy at the prospect of reuniting with loved ones has been tempered by uncertainty over whether Israel and Hamas will comply with the agreement beyond the initial phase.
Daniel Lifshitz, whose grandfather Oded, 84, was among about 100 hostages held in Gaza, said: “Stomachs are cramping and hearts are falling to the floor, but it’s what we’ve been waiting for.” long ago”.
Mr. Lifshitz said the involvement of President-elect Donald J. Trump and his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, gave him confidence that the deal would happen even before cabinet approval. Mr. Lifshitz said the challenge now is to ensure that both Israel and Hamas comply with the terms of the agreement and return all hostages.
“I have confidence that Trump and Witkoff will do what needs to be done,” Mr. Lifshitz said.
While Mr. Lifshitz’s grandfather was among the hostages released in the early stages of the deal, the family had no information about his health condition or whether he was still alive.
“Preparing for a festival and a funeral at the same time is impossible,” Mr. Lifshitz said in an interview.
Doron Zexer, whose family hosted Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander during his military service in Israel and who is a prominent advocate for his release, said the news about the potential release of the hostages is gratifying, even if Mr. Alexander is not. right among them.
“I will be the happiest person alive to see any hostages return, but also extremely worried about the second phase,” Mr. Zexer, 50, said.
Mr. Alexander was not among the roughly 33 hostages, mostly women and the elderly, expected to be released in the first six weeks of the deal.
Even as the deal progresses, the families have given no clear indication of whether Israel intends to pursue the deal beyond the initial phase and commit to a lasting ceasefire in Gaza that would allow the remaining hostages return home or not.
“I know there are extremists, but I hope the prime minister will not let them bear the responsibility,” Mr. Zexer said in an interview. “This must end with the release of the last remaining hostage.”
Earlier on Friday, while ministers convened to vote on the deal, hostage families gathered in a public square in Tel Aviv known as Hostage Square to call for those to come out. decided to support the agreement.
Dozens of Israelis flooded the square to support the families and seek comfort, some wearing the shirts and pins that have become familiar symbols in Israel during the 15-month campaign for their release. hostage.
At a press conference, Einav Zengauker, whose son, Matan, has been detained in Gaza since the October 7, 2023 attack, said: “The signed agreement is a comprehensive phased agreement. paragraph. Our role is to do everything to ensure the agreement is fully implemented.”
Her son was not among those released in the first phase of the deal. “This agreement must be followed to the end to bring everyone home and end the war,” she said.
Michel Illouz, whose son, Guy, was kidnapped alive during the attack and later killed in captivity, said Israel’s goal of defeating Hamas will not allow it to be pursued to completion. agree.
“It is impossible to crush Hamas and return the hostages; that is a self-contradictory statement,” he said during the press conference.
He pleaded with Israeli leaders to accept the terms of the agreement so that all those captured – along with the remains of those no longer alive – could return to Israel.
“I don’t have a grave where I can tell my eldest son how much I miss him,” Mr. Illouz said. “We no longer hope to receive our children back alive – we can only hope to receive a grave and try to get a little closure.”
