Israel-Hamas ceasefire live updates: Israeli security cabinet voting on deal
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Israel Ratifies Hamas Cease-Fire Deal
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Above: People react to the reports of a possible Gaza cease-fire and hostage release deal during a rally on Jan. 15, 2025, in Tel Aviv, Israel. Image copyright: Amir Levy/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Israel ratified a cease-fire and hostage deal with Hamas early on Saturday morning following approval from its security cabinet just hours earlier. The deal is set to come into force on Sunday.
The phased agreement, which will pause the 15-month conflict in Gaza, includes a six-week truce and involves the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Though Hamas, in many cases, was the main obstacle to achieving an end to this terrible war, the Biden admin. is proud of its role in mediating. With a deal agreed upon, the hostages will return home and Israel will be more secure. Though Israel has had to make hard decisions, it will be worth it when peace is finally achieved.
Pro-Israel narrative
Though Israel wants nothing more than to see all the hostages released, this deal may not be in the country's best interest. In the past, Palestinian prisoners released by Israel have played critical roles in terrorist plots against the country. Indeed, Yahya Sinwar, Hamas' slain leader, was a security prisoner released in an exchange deal. Israel may pay for this deal in blood many years down the road.
Pro-Palestine narrative
Though a cease-fire is long overdue, Gaza has been destroyed. Indeed, the Israel-Palestinian "conflict" is not over, and Israel's occupation and apartheid system will remain. However, this war has proved that the Palestinian cause cannot be dealt with via security measures or normalization agreements between Arab autocrats and Israel. Regardless of what happens next, Palestinians will continue to struggle for their liberation.
Narrative D
In the eternally unpredictable Middle East, there's no certainty that the deal will go as planned or the bloodshed will end immediately. Since it's the result of the political infighting in the US, the cease-fire is likely to fail by Sunday. Nonetheless, the solution isn't a temporary pause in fighting but a just and lasting settlement for Palestinians and Israelis alike.
