Details of Israeli Cabinet's Decision on Hostage Deal Released: Ceasefire Limited to a Maximum of 10 Days from First Release

The Israeli government has released details of the cabinet's decision regarding an agreement to secure the release of nearly 50 hostages from among approximately 240 hostages abducted during the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7. According to 'The Times of Israel', this decision outlines the framework of the government-approved agreement and includes three appendices: a recommendation from National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi, a classified document presented to the cabinet but not published, and a list of 300 Palestinian security prisoners eligible for release in this deal. Under this decision, all 300 Palestinian prisoners will only be released on the condition that 100 living hostages - Israeli citizens or Israeli residents - are freed from Gaza and returned to Israel. This release will occur in two phases, each consisting of several stages. In the first phase, Israel will release 150 Palestinian prisoners after returning 50 hostages to Israel. This phase will take place in four stages, with at least 10 hostages released in each stage. The decision states: 'The first phase will last four days, during which there will be a halt in fighting.' In the second phase, if up to 50 more hostages are returned to Israel, Israel will release 'up to' another 150 Palestinian security prisoners. The same ratio of Palestinian prisoners to Israeli hostages from the first phase will continue, with each additional phase including the release of at least 10 hostages. The statement notes: 'For each additional release of 10 hostages, an additional 24-hour halt in fighting will occur.' Again, in the second phase, prisoners will only be released when the hostages return to Israel. The statement adds: 'Immediately after the required halt in fighting for the release of hostages ends, the war in the Gaza Strip will resume to eliminate the military and organizational capabilities of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza and to prepare the conditions for the return of all hostages.' This decision allows the 'war cabinet' of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Benny Gantz to decide on the identity of the released prisoners at each stage, based on the provided list. They are also authorized to determine the timing of each phase. Furthermore, they can decide on the conclusion of the phases, and the entire exchange and halt in attacks is limited to a maximum of ten days from the end of the first phase. The decision states that Palestinian prisoners on the list who are not released by the end of the exchanges will not be freed. After the names of the Palestinian prisoners are released, the people of Israel will have a 24-hour period to appeal against this deal or the release of specific prisoners to the Supreme Court. The U.S. Secretary of State called the agreement for the hostage deal a 'significant progress'. Josep Borrell called for the release of all hostages. Agreement on the release of 50 Israeli hostages; the Israeli cabinet unanimously voted for a 'temporary ceasefire with Hamas'. Israel: If the resolution to disarm Hezbollah is not implemented, the possibility of regional war exists. Increasing efforts for the release of hostages held by Hamas; the release of 50 hostages in exchange for a three-day ceasefire.