After six hours of meeting, the . In a vote, the group made up of 33 members gave the green light to pause the fight, which should begin this Sunday (19).
and the agreement for the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Diplomatic, humanitarian and security aspects related to the treaty were considered. The Mossad, the Israeli secret service, also defended the pause in the conflict, stating that it was “a matter of honor” to bring the hostages home.
The expectation is that three hostages will be released by Hamas next Sunday afternoon, when the ceasefire will begin.
This is part of the first phase of the agreement, which will last 42 days and provides for the release of 33 people.
The two other stages will be negotiated during this period, with the aim of ensuring that the pause in the conflict is maintained.
Even with the truce approaching, Israel carried out new attacks in the Gaza Strip this week.
Since the announcement of the agreement, last Wednesday (15), Israeli bombings have resulted in 117 deaths and more than 200 injuries. The Gaza Ministry of Health counts around 47,000 deaths in the region during the 469 days of war.
Israel claims the targets were terrorists, while Hamas considers the attacks a deliberate increase in the use of military force before the ceasefire.
Within the Israeli government, there is still no consensus on a ceasefire. Two far-right parties that are part of the government base oppose the truce.
This impasse could hamper the progress of the treaty’s phases, especially the second, which should be longer.
The Opposition, however, defends the truce and supports the prime minister. For the group, Netanyahu needs to guarantee the safe return of the hostages to their families in Israeli territory.
