After extended diplomatic efforts mediated by the United States and Qatar, Israeli and Hamas negotiators have finalized a hostage release and ceasefire agreement in Doha.

The deal, reached early Friday morning, represents a significant step toward ending the 15-month Gaza conflict that began with Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.

The agreement, initially announced on Wednesday, awaits formal approval from Israel’s full cabinet, which is scheduled to convene on Saturday night.

This timeline has delayed the expected release of the first group of hostages from Sunday to Monday. The decision aims to allow opponents of the deal sufficient time to file appeals with Israel’s High Court of Justice.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed the agreement, stating that the security cabinet will vote on Friday, followed by the full cabinet over the weekend.

Despite the delays, officials have stated the importance of ensuring that legal and procedural requirements are met.

Under the deal’s first phase, Hamas has agreed to release 33 hostages classified as “humanitarian” cases, including women, children, elderly individuals, and the sick, over a 42-day period.

The status of all hostages remains uncertain, as Israel has not yet received confirmation of the condition of each individual.

A total of 98 hostages are currently held in Gaza, according to Israeli estimates, including the bodies of at least 36 confirmed deceased.

Future negotiations are expected to address the release of all remaining hostages in exchange for a permanent ceasefire, signaling potential progress toward a broader resolution.

The agreement has sparked tension within Netanyahu’s coalition. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has threatened to resign if the deal is approved, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is reportedly considering similar action.

These developments reflect ongoing discord within the government over how to handle negotiations with Hamas.

Critics have also questioned the delay in implementation, citing Jewish laws permitting the violation of Shabbat to save lives. Proponents of the delay argue that opponents must be afforded time to challenge the agreement in court.

While the Biden administration has expressed concern over potential complications caused by the delay, a senior U.S. official sought to downplay the issue, stating the importance of focusing on the deal’s successful execution.

The coming days will be critical as Israel seeks to balance legal, political, and humanitarian considerations while navigating the complex dynamics of this historic agreement.

Israel, Hamas sign hostage-ceasefire deal following intense negotiations