In a significant development, Israel’s Cabinet has given the green light to a ceasefire agreement with the Hamas militant group, marking a temporary cessation of the prolonged conflict that has endured for over six weeks.

As part of the agreement, Hamas has committed to releasing 50 of the approximately 240 hostages currently held in the Gaza Strip.

The release is scheduled to take place over four days, with the Israeli government announcing its intention to extend the ceasefire by an additional day for every 10 hostages set free.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, ahead of the Cabinet vote on Wednesday morning, affirmed that Israel would resume its offensive against Hamas once the ceasefire period concludes. The specific commencement date of the truce is yet to be clarified.

(ai/mnm/sourced online)