Fresh strikes in Gaza as Israel approves ceasefire

The Israeli security cabinet had earlier recommended to the government that it allow the Qatar, Egypt and US-mediated truce to go into effect on Sunday.
16 min read

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The Israeli government has approved the ceasefire and prisoner-exchange deal with Hamas following hours of talks in Jerusalem, paving the way for the truce to go into effect on Sunday.

Announced by the Qatari prime minister on Wednesday, the agreement will see Hamas and Israel enter an initial six-week ceasefire during which hundreds of Palestinian and Israeli captives will be released and a surge of aid allowed to enter Gaza.

Both sides would then begin to negotiate a permanent end to the war, involving a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the strip and the release of all the remaining prisoners held by Hamas.

In Gaza itself, Israeli warplanes kept up intense strikes which Palestinian authorities said killed at least 86 people on Friday.

Israel's war on Gaza has killed more than 46,000 people since 7 October 2023.

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The New Arab Staff

We're closing this live blog on the latest developments in Gaza and the region. 

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Israel shells tent in Mawasi displacement camp
1:28 AM
The New Arab Staff

A number of Palestinians were injured early Saturday morning after Israeli forces shelled a displacement camp near Khan Younis, Al Jazeera reports.

2 Likud ministers join far-right in opposing ceasefire deal
12:03 AM
The New Arab Staff

Two ministers in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party joined the far-right cabinet members in opposing the ceasefire deal, Israeli media is reporting.

Diaspora Affairs Minister Amikchai Chikli and Regional Cooperation Minister David Amsalem were among the eight cabinet members who voted against the truce.

Also voting against the ceasefire were six ministers representing far-right parties Jewish Power and Religious Zionism, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

Ben-Gvir's party has said it will resign from the government should the ceasefire go into effect while the Religious Zionist Party threatened to follow suit should the government negotiate an extension of the ceasefire beyond the first, six-week phase.

Israel to free 1737 Palestinian prisoners during ceasefire
11:53 PM
The New Arab Staff

The Israeli government will release 1,737 Palestinian detainees during the first phase of the ceasefire, according to the head of the Palestinian Commission for Prisoners and Ex-Detainees' Affairs.

Among those slated for release are 296 detainees serving long-term prison sentences, Kaddoura Fares said.

In return, Hamas has agreed to release 33 of the estimated 94 captives it continues to hold in Gaza.

 

More details on Israel cabinet ceasefire vote
11:40 PM
The New Arab Staff

We have more details on how members of  Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet voted on the ceasefire agreement following the six-hour meeting today.

US outlet Axios reports that 24 cabinet ministers voted in favour of the truce and eight voted against, citing one Israeli minister.

Israeli government approves Gaza ceasefire
11:34 PM
The New Arab Staff & Agencies

The Israeli government has approved the ceasefire and prisoner-exchange deal with Hamas following hours of talks in Jerusalem, paving the way for the truce to go into effect on Sunday.

A statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said that ministers had voted in favour of the truce, despite opposition from far-right parties and hardliners in his own Likud party.

Announced by the Qatari prime minister on Wednesday, the agreement will see Hamas and Israel enter an initial six-week ceasefire during which hundreds of Palestinian and Israeli captives will be released and a surge of aid allowed to enter Gaza.

Israel's smaller security cabinet had earlier on Friday recommended to the government that it approve the Qatar, Egypt and US-mediated truce.

Israeli drone strike kills 3 in Gaza City
9:55 PM
The New Arab Staff

An Israeli drone strike killed three civilians and injured others in Gaza City on Friday evening.

Palestinian news agency Wafa reports that the strike targeted a gathering of civilians in the Al-Tuffah neighbourhood. 

Joint operations room in Cairo to monitor ceasefire
8:41 PM
The New Arab Staff

The mediators of the Hamas-Israel ceasefire deal have agreed to set up a joint operations room in Cairo to monitor its implementation, Egyptian media are reporting.

The room will reportedly be made up of representatives from Palestine, Israel, Qatar, Egypt and the US, who will jointly monitor and coordinate the ceasefire.

This came following talks in the Egyptian capital on Friday. 

Israeli cabinet ministers continue ceasefire debate
8:32 PM
The New Arab Staff

Israeli cabinet ministers are still debating whether to approve the ceasefire, hours after the meeting began in Jerusalem.

Despite opposition from far-right members of the government, ministers are expected to approve the truce, following in the footsteps of the security cabinet earlier on Friday.

This would pave the way to the six-week ceasefire taking effect on Sunday, which will be followed by the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and 33 captives held by Hamas in Gaza.

CIA analyst pleads guilty to leaking Iran attack info
8:10 PM
The New Arab Staff & Agencies

A former CIA analyst pleaded guilty Friday to leaking information on a planned Israeli attack on Iran.

Asif Rahman, 34, was arrested by the FBI in November weeks after classified documents appeared on the Telegram messaging app.

He entered guilty pleas in federal court in Virginia to two counts of willful retention and transmission of classified information related to the national defense, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Two documents that surfaced on Telegram in October, attributed to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and National Security Agency, noted that Israel was still moving military assets in place to conduct a military strike in response to Iran’s blistering ballistic missile attack on 1 October.

Israel carried out a retaliatory attack on air defense systems and missile manufacturing facilities in Iran in late October. In court papers, the government has said the leak caused Israel to delay its attack plans.

US sanctions Yemen Kuwait Bank alleging ties to Houthis
7:45 PM
The New Arab Staff & Agencies

The US on Friday imposed sanctions on a Yemen-based financial institution that Washington accused of financially supporting the Houthis, as President Joe Biden's administration sought to further pressure the militant group before Biden leaves office.

The US Treasury Department in a statement said it imposed sanctions on Yemen Kuwait Bank, accusing it of helping the Houthis exploit the Yemeni banking sector to launder money and transfer funds to allies, including Lebanon's Hezbollah.

The Houthis have carried out more than 100 attacks on ships since November 2023. They have sunk two vessels, seized another and killed at least four seafarers. The intensity of the attacks has disrupted global shipping and prompted route changes.

UNRWA ban will have 'catastrophic' impact on Gaza recovery
6:30 PM
The New Arab Staff

Israel's move to shutter the UN's Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) will have a "catastrophic" effect on international efforts to help Gaza recover from the war when the ceasefire comes into force, the head of UNRWA said today.

Israeli legislation will come into force later this month will ban UNRWA from Israel and the occupied Palestinian Territories, preventing it from providing vital humanitarian and public services to the Palestinian people.

Speaking to reporters, Philippe Lazzarini said the ban will "undermine" the ceasefire agreement due to come into force on Sunday and "sabotage" Gaza's recovery.

"It would massively weaken the international humanitarian response and immeasurably worsen already catastrophic living conditions," he said.

Iranians, Israelis banned from flying to Syria
6:08 PM
The New Arab Staff & Agencies

Iranians and Israelis have been banned from flying to Syria, which is under new leadership since last month's overthrow of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad, an airport source said.

International flights resumed at Syria's main airport in Damascus on 7 January, almost a month after Islamist-led rebels ousted Assad after a lightning offensive.

Just a few airlines have since resumed or announced they will resume flights to Syria.

A Damascus airport source said the facility's authorities told airlines operating in Syria not to allow Israelis and Iranians to board flights to the country.

Two airlines appeared to be complying with the measures, which Syria's interim authorities have not announced publicly.

Yemen's Houthi rebels express defiance of Israel
5:34 PM
The New Arab Staff & Agencies

Thousands of Yemenis crowded the capital Sanaa Friday to express their support for the Iran-backed Huthi rebels, who say they will maintain pressure on Israel despite the imminent Gaza ceasefire.

On Thursday, rebel leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi in a televised address threatened to keep up their attacks if Israel does not respect the ceasefire with Hamas.

"We will watch the implementation of the agreement, and if there are any Israeli breaches, massacres or attacks, we will be ready to provide military support to the Palestinian people," he said.

It was a speech "full of defiance", said Mohammed Albasha, founder of the US-based risk consultancy Basha Report.

Abbas says ready to assume 'full responsibility' in Gaza
5:33 PM
The New Arab Staff & Agencies

Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas said on Friday the Palestinian Authority is ready to assume "full responsibility" in post-war Gaza, in his first statement since the Gaza ceasefire deal was announced.

"The Palestinian government, under president Abbas' directives, has completed all preparations to assume full responsibility in Gaza," including the return of the displaced, providing basic services, crossings management, and reconstruction of the war-torn territory, a presidency statement said.

Positive atmosphere in cabinet formation talks: Lebanon PM
5:30 PM
The New Arab Staff & Agencies

Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam said on Friday the formation of a new government would not be delayed, indicating a very positive atmosphere in discussions over its composition.

Salam was nominated by a majority of lawmakers on Monday to form the new government, although he did not win the backing of the Shia parties Hezbollah and the Amal Movement, led by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.

"The atmosphere is more than positive among all the blocs and today from Speaker Berri," Salam said, speaking to reporters after a meeting with President Joseph Aoun, who was elected by parliament on January 9.

Berri, a close Hezbollah ally, said on Friday he held a "promising meeting" with Salam.

Government formation discussions are often protracted in Lebanon, due to bartering among its sectarian factions over cabinet positions.

Israel publishes list of 95 prisoners eligible for release
4:57 PM
The New Arab Staff & Agencies

The Israeli justice ministry published a list of 95 Palestinian prisoners who are to be freed starting Sunday as part of the first exchange for Israeli captives under a Gaza ceasefire deal.

"The release of prisoners is... subject to government approval of the (ceasefire) plan and will not take place before Sunday 16:00 (1400 GMT)," the ministry said in a statement on Friday.

Car bombing in northern Syria's Manbij
4:33 PM
The New Arab Staff

A car exploded in the town of Manbij in Syria's Aleppo governorate Friday evening.

It was not immediately clear if there were any casualties.

Manbij was taken over by the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army last month but used to be controlled by the Kurdish-led SDF. Both sides have been engaged in fighting.

UK MPs urge Israel to reconsider UNRWA ban
3:23 PM
The New Arab Staff & Agencies

British lawmakers warned Friday that an Israeli ban on the UN's Palestinian refugee agency due to be implemented this month threatens to undermine efforts for peace in the Middle East.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said on Thursday that legislation barring UNRWA from operating in Israel and east Jerusalem due to be implemented by the end of January threatened the agreement.

"What we don't want is this peace, that begins on Sunday, undermined by that legislation just a few days into its passing," he told parliament on Thursday.

The chair of the UK parliament's International Development Committee echoed his call on Friday.

"While news of a ceasefire is encouraging, the situation on the ground in Gaza and the West Bank remains alarming," said Sarah Champion, from the ruling Labour party.

"Israel's proposed ban on UNRWA would prevent aid distribution in Gaza, devastate Palestinian livelihoods and send disruptive ripples throughout the Middle East."

Her comments came as her committee published a report urging the British government to "do all it can" to ensure UNRWA is able to continue its work.

The report concluded that if UNRWA were banned it would almost certainly lead to further conflict and displacement.

Putin hopes Gaza ceasefire leads to 'longterm stabilisation'
3:20 PM
The New Arab Staff & Agencies

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that he hoped a ceasefire in Gaza would lead to a "long-term stabilisation" and called for efforts to secure a "comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict".

Speaking about the deal reached between Israel and Hamas, Putin said: "We hope this will contribute to alleviating the humanitarian situation and to the long-term stabilisation of the sector."

"At the same time, it is important not to weaken efforts for a comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of international law," he said, speaking alongside Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at the Kremlin.

Pezeshkian said he hoped the ceasefire would be implemented.

Macron urges quicker Israel-Hezbollah truce implementation
1:58 PM
The New Arab Staff & Agencies

French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday called for accelerated implementation of a November ceasefire deal between Israel and Lebanese group Hezbollah in south Lebanon.

"There have been results... but they must be accelerated and long-lasting. There needs to be complete withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the Lebanese army must hold total monopoly of any weapons" in south Lebanon, he said at a joint press conference with his Lebanese counterpart Joseph Aoun, ahead of a January 26 deadline for the truce implementation.

Gaza death toll reaches 46,876: health ministry
1:56 PM
The New Arab Staff & Agencies

Israel's military offensive in the Gaza Strip has killed at least 46,876 Palestinians and wounded 110,642 since October 7, 2023, the Palestinian enclave's health ministry said on Friday, adding that 88 were killed in the past 24 hours.

US Central Command chief meets Kurdish-led forces in Syria
1:37 PM
The New Arab Staff & Agencies

US Central Command said its chief met with Kurdish-led forces in northeast Syria and urged the repatriation of foreign Islamic State group fighters, as Kurds battle Turkey-backed groups in the region.

General Michael Kurilla met United States military commanders and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on Thursday "to get an assessment" of efforts to defeat IS and prevent its regional resurgence, as well as "the evolving situation in Syria", a CENTCOM statement said.

ICC prosecutor meets with Syria's de facto ruler in Damascus
1:35 PM
The New Arab Staff & Agencies

Chief prosecutor at the International Criminal Court Karim Khan met Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa on Friday in Damascus, state media reported.

Sharaa and Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani met "a delegation from the International Criminal Court, headed" by Khan, state news agency SANA reported, also publishing images of the meeting.

Macron announces new Lebanon 'reconstruction' conference
12:48 PM
The New Arab Staff & Agencies

France's President Emmanuel Macron Friday announced that Paris would in the coming weeks host an international conference "for the reconstruction of Lebanon" after the devastating war between Hezbollah and Israel last year.

"The international community must prepare for massive support to the reconstruction of infrastructure," he said at a joint press conference with his Lebanese counterpart Joseph Aoun after a November ceasefire stemmed the fighting.

Israeli strikes left much of southern Lebanon, Beirut's southern suburbs and towns and villages across east Lebanon's Beqaa destroyed.

Syria says foiled arms smuggling attempt into Lebanon
11:52 AM
The New Arab Staff

Syrian border authorities said Friday they foiled an attempt to smuggle weapons and missiles into Lebanon from Syria's Tartus.

Macron tours Beirut nightlife hub again after 2020 visit
11:43 AM
The New Arab Staff

French President Emmanuel Macron toured a neighbourhood in the Lebanese capital on Friday that was greatly affected by the port explosion.

Macron, who is in Lebanon on an official visit, walked through Beirut's Gemmayzeh, as he met residents and had coffee at a local shop. He had visited the area two days after the huge 4 August 2020 blast.

Much of the destruction has been renovated in Gemmayzeh, an area popular for its bars and restaurants, and other parts of Beirut, while more buildings still undergo works.

2 French-Israelis among first hostages to be freed: Macron
11:43 AM
The New Arab Staff & Agencies

French President Emmanuel Macron said Friday that French-Israeli citizens Ofer Kalderon and Ohad Yahalomi are in the first group of hostages to be freed by Hamas following a ceasefire with Israel.

"Our fellow citizens Ofer Kalderon and Ohad Yahalomi are on the list of 33 hostages to be freed in the first phase of the Gaza accord," Macron said in a social media post.

"We remain mobilised without pause to ensure their return to their families," he wrote.

In Syria, EU official announces 235 million euro aid package
11:40 AM
The New Arab Staff & Agencies

EU crisis management chief Hadja Lahbib announced a 235 million euro aid package for Syria and neighbouring countries on Friday during the first visit by a senior EU official since Bashar al-Assad's ouster.

The trip comes two weeks after foreign ministers from France and Germany visited, calling for a peaceful, inclusive transition, amid a flurry of diplomatic activity by countries seeking to engage with war-torn Syria's new authorities.

"I come here to announce a new package of humanitarian aid of 235 million euros ($242 million) in Syria and in neighbouring countries," Lahbib told a press conference in Damascus after meeting Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa.

"Our funding will contribute to basic needs like shelter, food, clean water, sanitation, health care, education and emergencies among others," she said.

Neighbouring countries including Lebanon have taken in millions of Syrian refugees over the years.

UN chief urges end to Israeli occupation in south Lebanon
11:34 AM
The New Arab Staff & Agencies

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Friday urged an end to Israel's "continued occupation" and "military operations" in south Lebanon, after a November ceasefire to end fighting between Israel and militant group Hezbollah.

"The continued occupation by the Israel (military) inside the UNIFIL area operations and the conduct of military operations in Lebanese territory are violations of resolution 1701... They must stop," he told members of the UN peacekeeping force as he visited them, referring to the UN Security Council decision that ended a 2006 war between both sides.

UNIFIL 'found 100 Hezbollah weapons caches since ceasefire'
11:33 AM
The New Arab Staff & Agencies

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Friday peacekeepers discovered more than "100 weapons caches" belonging to Hezbollah and its allies in south Lebanon since a ceasefire between the group and Israel.

UN peacekeepers "uncovered over 100 weapons caches belonging to Hezbollah or other armed groups since 27 November," he said, adding that the "presence of armed personnel, assets and weapons" other than those of the Lebanese army and the UNIFIL peacekeeping force violated a UN Security Council decision that ended a 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war.

Obstacles to ceasefire deal have been resolved: Hamas
10:19 AM
The New Arab Staff & Agencies

Hamas said on Friday that obstacles that arose in relation to the terms of the Gaza ceasefire agreement have been resolved, according to a statement issued by the group.

Aid flow can increase if new Gaza routes open: WHO
10:15 AM
The New Arab Staff & Agencies

It will be possible to ramp up aid to 600 trucks a day to Gaza if new routes and crossings are opened, a WHO official said Friday, who added that there are plans to bring in pre-fabricated hospitals to Gaza in the next two months.

"We hope and expect that medical evacuations of over 12,000 patients will increase with the Gaza ceasefire," the official said.

Release of Gaza hostages expected to begin Sunday: Israel PM
10:01 AM
The New Arab Staff & Agencies

The release of hostages held in Gaza is expected to begin on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Friday.

"Subject to the approval of the cabinet and the government, and the implementation of the agreement, the release of the hostages can proceed according to the planned framework, with the hostages expected to be released as early as Sunday," the office said in a statement.

Macron visits Lebanon to push sovereignty, reforms
8:59 AM
The New Arab Staff & Agencies

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Lebanon on Friday to help speed up the formation of a government that can quickly implement reforms and open the door to reconstruction following last year's war between Israel and Hezbollah.

Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati received Macron upon arrival at Beirut airport. It was the French leader's first visit since 2020.

"In three months, we have helped Lebanon move from escalation to recovery, and to open a new page of hope," French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, who will be in Lebanon with Macron, said in parliament during a debate on Middle East policy.

"With popular support, a broad internal consensus and international backing, the new Lebanese executive can act decisively to restore state sovereignty and rebuild Lebanon."

G7 calls Gaza ceasefire a 'significant development'
8:57 AM
The New Arab Staff & Agencies

Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) powers on Thursday called the ceasefire deal in Gaza "a significant development" and urged Israel and Hamas to work on its "full implementation."

"This is a significant development," the G7 said in a statement, urging "all parties to engage constructively" in its next phases of talks "to help ensure its full implementation and a permanent end to hostilities."

The G7 also reaffirmed its support for Israel's defense from security threats, urging "Iran and its proxies to refrain from any further attack against Israel."

In its statement, the group also highlighted the "catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, where conditions continue to deteriorate."

"We demand all parties allow the safe, rapid, and unimpeded passage of humanitarian assistance and ensure the protection of civilians, including humanitarian workers," the G7 said.

ICC sees 'no real effort' by Israel to probe 'war crimes'
8:54 AM
The New Arab Staff & Agencies

International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan has defended his decision to bring war crimes allegations against Israel's prime minister, saying Israel had made "no real effort" to investigate the allegations itself.

In an interview with Reuters, he stood by his decision over the arrest warrant despite a vote last week by the U.S. House of Representatives to sanction the ICC in protest, a move he described as "unwanted and unwelcome".

"We're here as a court of last resort and ...as we speak right now, we haven't seen any real effort by the State of Israel to take action that would meet the established jurisprudence, which is investigations regarding the same suspects for the same conduct," Khan told Reuters.

"That can change and I hope it does," he said in Thursday's interview, a day after Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas reached a deal for a ceasefire in Gaza.