The Israeli government has approved a cease-fire agreement with Hamas, set to begin at 8:30 a.m. Sunday local time in Gaza, ending ongoing hostilities that began with Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel. Under the agreement, Hamas is expected to release three Israeli hostages in exchange for several Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed preparations to implement the terms of the cease-fire and provide medical and psychological support to the hostages upon their release. Qatar, which played a mediating role, has clarified the cease-fire timeline to ensure all parties adhere to the agreement.
The cease-fire is planned in three phases, with the first lasting 42 days. During this initial phase, Hamas is required to release 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children, men over 55, and individuals with urgent medical needs. Israel, in turn, will release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, though estimates of the total vary, with some reports suggesting between 737 and 1,890 detainees could be freed. This phase also involves transferring the remains of any deceased hostages, ensuring their families can receive closure.

The initial 33 hostages set for release include 10 women, two children, and 21 men, with ages ranging from a 2-year-old toddler to an 86-year-old senior. Israeli officials expect most of these hostages to be alive but anticipate some bodies may be returned.
The first three hostages will be released Sunday, with additional releases staggered over the subsequent six weeks, culminating in a total of 33 hostages freed. Should the cease-fire advance to its second phase, the remaining 65 hostages, many believed to be deceased, would also be addressed.
The IDF remains committed to securing the safety of Israeli citizens, particularly those living near the Gaza border while facilitating the hostages’ return. Hamas’s responsibility to ensure the well-being of the captives and abide by the agreement is a critical element of the cease-fire’s success. Meanwhile, international mediators, including Qatar, continue to oversee the agreement’s implementation to maintain the fragile peace.
The eventual goal of the cease-fire agreement includes a permanent cessation of hostilities in Gaza. The success of the prisoner exchange and adherence to the cease-fire terms are seen as essential steps toward achieving a longer-lasting resolution to the conflict, offering a glimmer of hope in an otherwise fraught and tragic situation.