Israel-Hamas cease-fire: Israeli government approves deal signed by negotiators

(Photo by Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images)

New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Friday said in a statement after his meeting with President-elect Trump in Florida that they focused in part on how the Gaza cease-fire deal announced this week will have a “positive impact” on public safety in the United States.

“President Trump and I had a productive conversation about New York’s needs and what’s best for our city, and how the federal government can play a more helpful role in improving the lives of New Yorkers,” he said in a statement shared by his spokesperson Fabien Levy.

“While we briefly touched on a number of issues, we specifically focused on the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, and how it will have a positive impact on public safety in our country; how we can bring manufacturing jobs back to New York, particularly in the Bronx; and how we can continue to make federal investments in New York City, especially when it comes to infrastructure.”

Trump takes office on Monday.

Then-President Trump with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in 2020. (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday said that he was assured by President-elect Trump that Israel would receive all weapons that had been frozen under the Biden administration last year once he takes office, a spokesperson who was in the hours-long government meeting to discuss the cease-fire deal said.

“This is important because if we do not reach stage B we will have additional tools to return to fight,” Netanyahu said. “He ( President Trump) gives full backing to return to war in case of violation of the agreement."

Netanyahu added context for the timing of the deal.

"For months we could not move forward, not because there was no deal, but because Hamas opposed,” he said. “The situation changed because of the bravery of our soldiers and because of actions we took in the area, Including our attacks on the Iranian axis. Hamas remained isolated in the arena and therefore folded and agreed to this deal."

Fox News' Yael Rotem-Kuriel contributed to this report.

UNRWA workers distributing flour to Palestinian refugees in Gaza. (Photo by Abed Rahim Khatib/Anadolu via Getty Images)

A United Nations humanitarian agency that provides aid to Palestinian refugees in Gaza and the West Bank said on Friday that despite a ban on the group by Israel that takes effect at the end of the month, it is determined to stay.

The head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, said on Friday that the agency leaving the region would “massively weaken the international humanitarian response.”

Lazzarini said that UNRWA is the only group able to provide essential health care services and education in Gaza.

Israel claims that Hamas militants have infiltrated the UNRWA and have been taking aid and using its facilities.

The Israeli ban takes effect on Jan. 30. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during a signing ceremony with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (Evgenia Novozhenina/Pool Photo via AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday made his first comments since the Israel-Hamas cease-fire deal was announced earlier this week, saying that he hopes it holds.

He also said in addition to releasing hostages more food and medicine must be allowed into Gaza.

“At the same time, it is important not to weaken efforts to comprehensively resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the generally recognized international legal basis,” he said, “which provides for the creation of an independent Palestinian state existing in peace and security with Israel.”

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had previously said that he and Putin had spoken about the deal during a meeting a the Kremlin this week.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

The names of the first three Israeli hostages who are expected to be released on Sunday will be given by the Qataris to the Israelis on Saturday, according to reports.

The first hostages released are expected to be female.

The cease-fire is scheduled to start Sunday at noon local time, which will be 5 a.m. in New York, and the first hostages are expected to be released in the afternoon.

Palestinian prisoners will be released only after Israeli hostages are in Israeli’s control.

Fox News' Yael Rotem-Kuriel contributed to this report.

A woman and a child walk outside their tent at a camp for displaced Palestinians in Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip on Friday Jan. 17. (AP/Abdel Kareem Hana)

The Simon Wiesenthal Center said it hopes the Israeli-Hamas cease-fire deal “signals the start of a new chapter for innocent civilians in Gaza, who have long been used as pawns by Hamas, and that it may be a step toward 'the day after,' where peace prevails over violence.” 

The Jewish human rights organization added that it “joins the global Jewish community in praying for our brothers and sisters safe return and full recovery. 

“It is our fervent wish that the perished be reunited with their families and receive a proper burial in the land of Israel,” it said in a statement. “While we welcome the temporary ceasefire, it cannot create yet another opportunity for Hamas to rearm or perpetuate its reign of terror.  “ 

“We deeply appreciate the tireless efforts of the negotiators and offer our sincere thanks to outgoing President Biden and incoming President Trump for forcefully advocating and demanding an end to the hostage crisis,” the organization also said. 

A poster of hostage Kfir Bibas is hung in Tel Aviv after a Gaza cease-fire and hostage release deal was reached on Jan. 16, 2025 in Tel Aviv, Israel. (Noam Galai/Getty Images)

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which has been advocating for the release of those being held captive by Hamas in Gaza, said a “special event” was held in London yesterday to commemorate the second birthday of Kfir Bibas, who “has yet to experience a birthday in freedom.” 

“Kfir remains the youngest hostage taken during Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack, when he was kidnapped at just 8.5 months old from Kibbutz Nir Oz along with his brother Ariel who was only 4 and mother Shiri. His father Yarden was taken separately in the same attack,” the group said. 

“Though the Bibas family was slated for release during the November 2023 hostage exchange, the cease-fire collapsed before their release could be secured. The newly announced deal includes the Bibas family in its first phase,” it continued. 

“Organized jointly by The Hostages and Missing Families Forum UK and Remember 7.10, the event served as a poignant reminder that Kfir has yet to experience a birthday in freedom,” the group also said. “The ceremony featured birthday songs and speeches from prominent figures, including families of other hostages.” 

Khalida Jarrar speaks to Reuters in the West Bank city of Ramallah in August 2014. (Reuters/Mohamad Torokman)

More details are emerging Friday about the 95 Palestinian prisoners set to be released this weekend. 

One of the most well-known prisoners on the list is Khalida Jarrar, a leading member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine terrorist group who has been in and out of Israeli prison in recent years, according to the Associated Press. Human Rights Watch has called Jarrar’s arrests part of Israel’s wider crackdown on non-violent political opposition.

There are 25 male prisoners set for release, all under age 21, and 70 female prisoners. The youngest to be released are 16 years old. The prisoners were accused of crimes like incitement, vandalism, supporting terror, terror activities, attempted murder or throwing stones or Molotov cocktails. 

Israel’s Prison Services said it would carry out transportation of the prisoners instead of the International Committee of the Red Cross, to avoid “public expressions of joy.”  

Lists of prisoners are published to also allow members of the public to petition Israeli courts against the release of a specific prisoner. Petitions can be submitted up until the prisoners are released, a Justice Ministry spokesperson said. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Israel's far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, center, in a statement to the media Thursday, said he will quit if Israel approves the Gaza cease-fire. (AP/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir is pushing Friday for lawmakers to “stop this deal” between Israel and Hamas. 

“If until yesterday I was terrified of this deal, then today, when more and more details are revealed, when it is revealed that terrorists serving life sentences are being released to Jerusalem, terrorists serving life sentences are being released to Judea and Samaria, when everyone knows that these terrorists will try to harm again, will try to kill again, I am even more terrified,” Ben-Gvir wrote on X. 

“I call on my friends... it is not yet too late, we are before a government meeting, we can stop this deal, join me, we can stop it,” he added. 

Israel's ruling Likud party criticized Ben-Gvir on Thursday after he said his party would leave the coalition government if it approves the hostage release and cease-fire deal with Hamas. 

Fox News’ Louis Casiano contributed to this report. 

Ibrahim Hamed, center, is one of the prominent Palestinians currently being held in Israeli prisons, Reuters reported. (Reuters/Ronen Zvulun)

A number of prominent Palestinians are being held in Israeli jails as the country is preparing to release hundreds of inmates in exchange for hostages captured by Hamas. 

There are more than 10,000 Palestinians in custody in Israeli prisons, according to Reuters. 

The news agency says among the prisoners are: 

• Abdallah Al-Barghouti, who was sentenced to 67 life terms in 2004 for his involvement in suicide attacks in the early 2000s that killed dozens of Israelis. Al-Barghouti reportedly prepared the explosive belts that were detonated in the attacks, which included the bombing of a Sbarro restaurant in Jerusalem that left 15 dead. 
• Ibrahim Hamed, who also has been accused of planning suicide attacks that left dozens of Israelis dead. Hamed was the West Bank leader of Hamas’ military wing prior to his arrest in Ramallah in 2006. 
• Ahmed Saadat, the leader of the terrorist organization Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. Saadat, according to Reuters, was accused by Israel of ordering the 2001 assassination of tourism minister Rehavam Zeevi. 

Each of these prisoners do not appear to be on the initial list released by Israel of the 95 Palestinians who are set to be freed on Sunday.

People attend a protest holding the photographs of prisoners in Israeli prisons and Palestinian flags during 'Palestinian Prisoners' Day' in Ramallah, West Bank on April 17, 2024. (Issam Rimawi/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Israel’s Ministry of Justice released a list Friday naming 95 prisoners who will be released on the first day of the swap between Israel and Hamas. 

The names, mostly female, include people who have been charged with supporting terrorism and attempted murder. 

“This is a partial list, for the purpose of the first wave only; the full list will be published after the government approves the outline,” the department said. 

“The release of prisoners in the first wave according to the outline will not be carried out before Sunday at 4:00 p.m. [local time],” it added. 

Fox News' Yael Rotem-Kuriel contributed to this report.

Israel’s official X account posted an image Friday showing the hostages held in Gaza, writing that “This Shabbat this is all we’re thinking about.” 

The message comes as Israel’s government is set to review a Gaza cease-fire and hostage release deal following its approval from the country’s cabinet. 

“I expect the government to follow suit in swiftly affirming this decision. This is a vital step toward fulfilling the highest covenant between the state and its citizens,” Israel President Isaac Herzog said. “There is no greater moral, human, Jewish, and Israeli duty. We must bring all of our hostages back home. 

Under terms of the agreement first announced Wednesday, 33 hostages are to be released by Hamas over six weeks in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, many of whom are jailed for terrorist offenses and related crimes. 

The deal is expected to go into effect Sunday. 

A woman pauses near posters of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Friday, Jan. 17. (AP/Maya Alleruzzo)

Six hospitals in Israel are preparing Friday to receive hostages, a report says. 

“Our main concern is the long time... they are probably held in very, very bad conditions, lack of nutrition, lack of hygiene,” Dr. Hagar Mizrahi, the head of the medical directorate at Israel’s health ministry, told the Associated Press. 

Around 100 hostages, a mix of civilians and soldiers, remain captive inside Gaza. Under phase one of the ceasefire, 33 hostages are set to be released as early as Sunday. 

Dr. Mizrahi also told the AP that staff are preparing to assist people with their mental health. 

Israel's military believes at least a third of the remaining hostages -- and up to half of them -- are dead. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Women sit near posters of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Friday, Jan. 17. (AP/Maya Alleruzzo)

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said Friday that he welcomes the Israeli security cabinet’s decision to approve a Gaza cease-fire and hostage release deal. 

“I expect the government to follow suit in swiftly affirming this decision. This is a vital step toward fulfilling the highest covenant between the state and its citizens,” Herzog said. “There is no greater moral, human, Jewish, and Israeli duty. We must bring all of our hostages back home. 

“I harbor no illusions -- the deal will bring with it great challenges and painful, agonizing moments that we will need to overcome and face together. With all my heart, I embrace the families of the hostages, especially those who know that their loved ones will not return in the first stage,” Herzog continued. “We must bring everyone back. Everyone! We will not rest or relent until this happens.   

“Now, on the eve of Shabbat, I pray and hope that this moment will become a national hour of goodwill, enabling us to heal, rebuild, and shape our shared future as one people,” Herzog also said. 

Fox News' Yael Rotem-Kuriel contributed to this report. 

The Israeli cabinet approved Friday a cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas. (Israel Prime Minister's Office)

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said Friday that “after examining all political, security, and humanitarian aspects, and understanding that the proposed deal supports the achievement of the war’s objectives, the Ministerial Committee for National Security Affairs (the Political-Security Cabinet) has recommended that the government approve the proposed framework.” 

“The government meeting will be convened later today,” it added. 

Under terms of the agreement first announced Wednesday, 33 hostages are to be released by Hamas over six weeks in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, many of whom are jailed for terrorist offenses and related crimes.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said yesterday that he expects the deal to go into effect on Sunday. 

Gen. Jack Keane told “Fox & Friends” on Friday that he believes the “tough part” of the Israel-Hamas agreement is getting Hamas to give up governance in Gaza and for Israel’s military to withdraw from the area. 

“The tough part of this deal is in the second and third phases,” the retired four-star Army general said. “On the 16th day of the 42-day cease-fire, negotiations are supposed to begin to the end state of the war in Gaza.  

“Hamas, disarm and give up governance. Israel, leave Gaza completely, permanent end to the war. Those are very, very difficult positions for both parties and I suspect this deal will likely break down at that point,” Keane said. 

“I cannot see the Israelis leaving Gaza completely and letting Hamas still be implied as the governance and running Gaza. That just brings us right back to Oct. 7 at some point,” he added. 

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi talks to journalists at the Iranian Ambassador residency on Nov. 27, 2024, in Lisbon, Portugal. (Horacio Villalobos/Corbis via Getty Images)

Iran is describing the Israel-Hamas cease-fire deal as a “surrender” for Israel. 

In a phone call with Khalil al-Hayya, who is Hamas’ political chief in Gaza, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi "congratulated the Palestinian resistance and people on their victory and legendary resilience,” according to a statement from Iran’s foreign ministry. 

“He highlighted that this resilience compelled the occupying regime to surrender and accept the ceasefire agreement and the exchange of prisoners,” the statement continued. “Araghchi reaffirmed the Islamic Republic of Iran’s principled stance on continuing its support for the Palestinian cause and the legitimate and lawful resistance of the Palestinian people against occupation and violations of their right to self-determination.” 

The statement also said al-Hayya “expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of Iran’s leadership, government, and people, as well as for the backing provided by resistance groups in Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq for the Palestinian people.  

“Al-Hayya noted that such support played a significant role in achieving this major victory,” it added. 

French President Emmanuel Macron looks on during a ceremony at the Invalides monument in Paris on Thursday, Jan. 16. (Ludovic Marin, Pool via AP)

France’s President Emmanuel Macron announced Friday that “Our fellow citizens Ofer Kalderon and Ohad Yahalomi are among the 33 hostages who are to be released in the first phase of the Gaza agreement.” 

“We remain tirelessly mobilized so that their families can find them,” he added in post on X. 

Macron is visiting Lebanon on Friday, where he will meet the country’s newly-elected leaders, according to The Associated Press. The country is attempting to recover from the 14-month Israel-Hezbollah war. 

Under the agreement announced Wednesday between Israel and Hamas, 33 of some 100 hostages who remain in Gaza are set to be released over the next six weeks in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. 

The agreement has not yet been approved by Israel’s security cabinet and government. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

A cease-fire and hostage release deal has officially been signed by Israel, Hamas, U.S. and Qatari officials.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been informed of the agreement and has instructed a meeting with his political-security cabinet, which would be followed by a government meeting to approve the plan, his office said in a statement translated from Hebrew to English.

"The families of the hostages were informed a short while ago of the agreements by the Directorate for Hostages, Missing Persons, and Returnees in the Prime Minister’s Office," the statement said. "Additionally, the Prime Minister instructed the Coordinator for Prisoners and Missing Persons to coordinate preparations for the reception of the hostages upon their return to Israel."

Netanyahu has directed that the Security Cabinet be convened later Friday.

Originally, the Israeli government was set to vote on the measure on Saturday, which would delay the release of the first three hostages until Monday.

Government officials cited last-minute issues with Hamas for the delay.

Efrat Lachter contributed to this post.

Cabinet discussions have begun at the Prime Minister's office in Jerusalem.

Cabinet discussion have begun at the Prime Minister's office in Jerusalem.

Senior Israeli legal officials have stated that pending the approval of the cabinet and the government, and following the implementation of the agreement, the release of the hostages will take place in according to the planned outline.

This will mean that the hostages are expected to be released starting Sunday leaving a shorter window for petitions.

According to the plan the Israeli government decided the IDF will remain inside the Gaza Strip until the last hostage is freed.

In parallel, forces will begin to withdraw during the cease-fire days until they reach the perimeter area a security zone surrounding the communities on the Gaza border.

This plan dictates a new defense approach, which is now being finalized under the Southern Command.