Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Friday that the ceasefire agreement with Hamas would not proceed until Hamas provides a complete list of hostages to be released. Netanyahu stressed that any violations of the agreement would be unacceptable.

In a statement shared by the Israeli Prime Minister's Office on X, Netanyahu said, "We will be unable to move forward with the framework until we receive the list of the hostages who will be released, as was agreed. Israel will not tolerate violations of the agreement. Hamas is solely responsible."

Approval of the ceasefire deal
The Israeli government approved the ceasefire and hostage release deal on Saturday by a 24-8 vote, as reported by The Times of Israel. Earlier, the Israeli security cabinet recommended adopting the agreement after approving it on Friday.

Families of hostages informed
The government's hostages and missing persons coordination unit notified families of the 33 Israeli hostages expected to be freed during the first phase of the deal. However, uncertainty remains about their condition, with Israel expecting most to be alive. Details regarding their status will be shared seven days into the ceasefire.

Second phase concerns
The agreement also aims to address the release of an additional 65 hostages, including the remains of at least 36 confirmed dead. Families of these individuals worry the subsequent phase may stall, leaving their loved ones in captivity. Talks will continue to focus on the release of these hostages, the war’s resolution, and Gaza's reconstruction.

Role of mediators
The ceasefire deal was finalised in Doha last Friday after negotiations mediated by the United States and Qatar. These discussions follow a 15-month-long war in Gaza, which began after Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack.

With ANI inputs