A deal between "Israel" and Hamas to release captives held in Gaza and initiate a ceasefire was formally signed by negotiators in Doha on Thursday, Axios reported, citing two sources familiar with the matter. However, the Israeli government is not expected to vote on the agreement until Saturday night.
The delay in the vote will push back the start of the ceasefire and the release of the first three captives, from Sunday to at least Monday, Israeli officials stated.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was reportedly informed by the negotiating team that the agreement had been reached. His office confirmed this in a statement on Friday morning. Netanyahu has also instructed the captives coordinator to collaborate with the relevant government ministries to prepare for the hostages' release, as per the report.
The deal was signed by representatives from "Israel", Qatar, and Hamas, according to a source informed about the matter as reported by Axios. Brett McGurk, President Biden's top Middle East adviser, signed on behalf of the United States.
Israeli officials stated that the security cabinet is set to meet on Friday morning to vote on the deal, followed by a full cabinet meeting on Saturday night.
According to Israeli law, Palestinian detainees cannot be released without a government vote. If the deal is approved, there will be a 24-hour period for the public to challenge the decision in court.
Netanyahu is expected to secure a majority in both votes, even if Smotrich, Ben-Gvir, and cabinet ministers from their parties oppose the deal.
An aide to Netanyahu noted that due to the schedule, the ceasefire and the release of captives will be delayed from Sunday to Monday, as per Israeli media.
Amid these circumstances, Israeli media quoted the families of the captives urging the government not to delay finalizing the deal, saying: "Every night is a terrifying nightmare... Do not delay their return, not even for one more night."
(Source: almayadeen.news ntwork)