Jerusalem: The Israeli government commenced a meeting Thursday to cast votes on a proposed ceasefire and hostage release agreement concerning the Gaza Strip. The session was initiated with a security briefing by Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir.

According to Anadolu Agency, US President Donald Trump's Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, alongside Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, joined Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the meeting after wrapping up prior discussions. This meeting followed a delay caused by an earlier Security Cabinet session that ended without a vote.

The ceasefire agreement came to light early Thursday morning after four days of indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel, conducted in Egypt's Red Sea city of Sharm el-Sheikh. The talks were mediated by Trkiye, Egypt, Qatar, and the US. On September 29, Trump disclosed a 20-point plan for Gaza, which includes the release of all Israeli captives in return for about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, the establishment of a permanent ceasefire, and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.

The second phase of the plan envisions setting up a new governing body in Gaza without Hamas' involvement, forming a security force comprising Palestinians and troops from Arab and Islamic countries, and disarming Hamas. Additionally, the plan outlines financial support from Arab and Islamic nations for the new administration and Gaza's reconstruction, with limited involvement from the Palestinian Authority. While Arab and Muslim countries have expressed approval of the plan, officials have indicated that many aspects require further discussion and negotiation to ensure complete implementation.

Since October 2023, Israeli operations have resulted in the deaths of nearly 67,200 Palestinians in the enclave, predominantly women and children, and have left the area uninhabitable.