Gaza Strip
The White House remains confident that the ceasefire can still be implemented on Sunday.
The Jewish state’s enemies treated the truce as a victory. Israel’s allies called it a chance to “break the cycle of violence.”
“You are directly responsible for all the blood that will be shed,” bereaved father Eliyahu Libman said in remarks directed to the Israeli government.
Senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya also thanked Turkey, South Africa, Algeria, Russia, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Belgium, Spain and Ireland for their support.
Seven Americans, four of whom are presumed dead, are being held captive in Gaza. Keith Siegal and Sagui Dekel-Chen could be freed as early as Sunday.
The Religious Zionism Party convened to discuss its role in the government.
“The Israeli Cabinet will not convene until the mediators notify Israel that Hamas has accepted all elements of the agreement,” said the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office.
“If they need to go back in, we’re with them. If Hamas doesn’t live up to the terms of this agreement, we are with them.”
The agreement includes Israeli withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border and the return of hundreds of thousands to northern Gaza.
As some celebrate the abductees’ imminent release, others fear the deal endangers those left behind, and also Israel’s national security.
“Hamas shows no mercy even for the dead,” the IDF Spokesperson said.
“The prime minister made it clear that he is committed to returning all of the hostages however he can,” according to a statement from Jerusalem.
