Israel Cabinet Approves 4-Day Ceasefire to Release 50 Hostages (Breaking)

On the 21st (local time), residents are walking through a residential area collapsed by Israeli airstrikes in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza Strip. The Israeli military announced that it had completely surrounded Jabalia and was preparing for urban warfare.
[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

On the 22nd (local time), the Israeli cabinet led by Benjamin Netanyahu approved a hostage exchange negotiation plan with the Palestinian armed group Hamas. The Israeli government is expected to exchange 50 hostages, including women and children, during a four-day temporary ceasefire and then resume fighting.

The Times of Israel reported that on the same day, the Israeli cabinet approved a negotiation plan through a vote to implement a four-day ceasefire to release about 50 hostages held by Hamas. Israel agreed to release Palestinian women and children in custody and allow fuel and humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.

Despite opposition from some ministers belonging to far-right parties, the negotiation plan reportedly passed smoothly. The hostages are expected to be released in stages, about 12 to 13 people per day, starting as early as the 23rd.

The Israeli government reiterated its position that it will resume fighting after exchanging hostages during the temporary ceasefire. In his opening remarks at the cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Netanyahu stated, "We will not stop the war even after the ceasefire," drawing a clear line against "absurd stories circulating that we will completely stop the war after the ceasefire to get the hostages back."

He continued, "We will eliminate Hamas, ensure that all hostages and missing persons return, and guarantee that there will be no more threats to Israel from the Gaza Strip," emphasizing once again that the war will continue until Hamas is removed.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.