The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially confirmed in the early hours that an agreement has been reached for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip, adding that the government’s “security council” is expected to convene during the day to vote and approve it.
A statement from his office said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was informed by the negotiation team that agreements for the release of the hostages have been reached. The cabinet in its limited composition is expected to meet today to review it, the statement added.
However, its approval has been postponed to tomorrow, Saturday, according to reports in the Israeli press, which underline that this means the first releases of hostages will not take place before Monday, instead of Sunday as previously anticipated by countries that mediated in the indirect negotiations.
Israeli media also highlight that the agreement threatens to lead to the collapse of Netanyahu’s government, as at least two far-right ministers, Itamar Ben Gvir (National Security) and Bezalel Smotrich (Finance), are threatening to leave the coalition, along with Amichai Chikli (Diaspora Affairs), if the war against Hamas—which has now reached its 469th day—does not continue.
(With additional information from Jerusalem Post and Times of Israel.)
Photo source: HATEM KHALED/REUTERS
Also read: Key reactions to the ceasefire agreement in Gaza
Source: ANA-MPA/AFP/Reuters
