Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Deal News

Netanyahu criticised how Hamas handled their release.

The soldiers were handed over to the IDF and Shin Bet forces in Gaza by the Red Cross and were escorted to Israel for medical evaluations and reunions with their families.

The deal, which began on Sunday, also saw Hamas release three Israeli hostages after 471 days in captivity.

Earlier on Friday, the Israeli security cabinet had approved the hostage release-ceasefire deal with Hamas and recommended the government to adopt it.  

The ceasefire deal is structured in three phases, and it includes a complete ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the release of hostages, including Americans, in the first phase.

Hamas seeks to prolong the truce, while Israel insists on the right to resume military action if it perceives a security threat. Another point of contention is Hamas's demand for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

Eli Feldstein, a media advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has been arrested and interrogated by the Shin Bet internal security agency. 

Qatar has paused its role as a mediator in Gaza ceasefire talks, signaling a potential return only if Israel, Hamas, and the U.S. show genuine commitment to ending the conflict and easing civilian suffering.

On Monday, Netanyahu issued a rare apology to the families. The demonstrations mark a new low in the relationship between large segments of the Israeli public and their elected government, which now seems beyond repair.

In an unprecedented move since October 7, the Histadrut, Israel's largest trade union federation, has announced a general strike to compel the government to agree to a ceasefire.