A cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas, brokered by Qatar, is scheduled to commence on Sunday at 8:30 a.m. local time. Qatar's foreign minister, Majid al-Ansari, has called for public caution during the initial stages of the cease-fire and advised adherence to official instructions. This marks the second cease-fire established since the conflict began.

The Israeli Cabinet formally approved the agreement early Saturday morning. This deal stipulates the phased release of 33 hostages over a six-week period, with the liberation of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel in return. Subsequent hostage releases will be addressed in a second phase of negotiations, coinciding with the initial six-week period.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are actively preparing for the return of the hostages, focusing on providing comprehensive physical and psychological support. While committed to the safe return of all captives, the IDF emphasizes its continued dedication to national security, particularly for communities bordering the Gaza Strip.

Hamas has stated that the remaining hostages will not be released without a permanent cease-fire and a complete Israeli withdrawal. Questions persist regarding the specifics of the agreement, including the identities and current status of the 33 hostages slated for release in the first phase. Hamas has committed to releasing three female hostages on the first day, four more on day seven, and the remaining 26 over the subsequent five weeks.

Israel's justice ministry has published a list of over 700 Palestinian detainees to be freed in the initial phase of the agreement, clarifying that the release process will not begin before 4 p.m. local time on Sunday.

Shortly before the anticipated cease-fire, the Israeli Air Force intercepted a missile launched from Yemen. Sirens were activated as a precautionary measure, but no injuries have been reported. A substantial influx of humanitarian aid is expected to reach Gaza, with aid trucks already positioned at the Rafah border crossing.

The 15-month conflict, initiated by Hamas's surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of around 250. Close to 100 hostages remain in captivity. According to Hamas-run health officials in Gaza, over 46,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict, without differentiating between civilian and militant casualties.