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As a truce between Israel and Hamas appears to be materializing, the Israeli security cabinet met this Friday to decide on an agreement that could mark a turning point in the ongoing conflict. This plan provides for the release of 33 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza since the attack on October 7, 2023. The announcement of a possible start of the releases on Sunday sparked international reactions, particularly in France where two nationals are among the hostages concerned.
A process under strict conditions
In a statement released Friday morning, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the truce agreement would have to be validated by the security cabinet and the Israeli government. This decision-making process is all the more crucial as it conditions not only the release of the hostages, but also the implementation of a temporary ceasefire.
The terms of the agreement, negotiated with the support of Qatar, include a gradual release of the hostages, starting with the 33 people whose names were validated by Hamas and transmitted to Israel. Among these hostages, the names of the French Ofer Calderon and Ohad Yahalomi feature prominently. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed this information in a message published on X (formerly Twitter), adding that France remains mobilized to support families.
An unbearable wait for families
As the cabinet meeting took place, Israeli officials stressed the importance of a quick decision. In a letter to the government, Interior Minister Yossi Fuchs urged his colleagues to decide before the start of Shabbat Friday evening. “Every hour and every minute is crucial for the hostages and their families, who desperately need certainty,” he said.
According to Israeli media, a first list of hostages to be released was communicated by the Israeli army to the families concerned, while checks on their state of health and their location are underway.
-The implications of a temporary ceasefire
The ceasefire envisaged as part of this agreement could allow a pause in the clashes which have shaken the region since October. However, this truce remains conditional on strict implementation of the commitments of both parties. The Times of Israel specifies that the Prime Minister’s Office will publish the names of the released hostages daily, in the interest of transparency.
This suspension of hostilities should also facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, where the situation remains critical. International negotiators have stressed the importance of guaranteeing secure access for humanitarian organizations, while avoiding an immediate resumption of violence.
An international mobilization
Besides France, other countries are closely monitoring the situation. US President Joe Biden welcomed the progress made, while calling for a rapid and lasting resolution to the conflict. For its part, Qatar, which plays a key role in the negotiations, reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating dialogue between the parties.
In Europe, several leaders expressed support for the families of the hostages. In Israel, this announcement arouses a mixture of hope and skepticism, while internal political divisions over the management of the conflict continue to widen.
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