Final ratification by the Israeli government is still awaited to initiate the first phase of the cease-fire.

The Israeli security cabinet voted Friday in favor of a cease-fire in Gaza that calls for a temporary cease-fire and an exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said.

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The agreement provides for a cessation of hostilities as of 12H15 local time on Sunday, January 19. It also provides for an exchange of Palestinians kidnapped in Zionist jails for Israeli hostages held in Gaza, starting at 4:00 p.m. local time on that date.

It consists of three strategic phases: the first phase will last 42 days and establishes the cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of Israeli troops to the border and the exchange of 33 hostages for Palestinians kidnapped in Zionist jails.

The second phase will focus on the distribution of humanitarian aid, the reconstruction of health infrastructure in Gaza as well as the entry of civilian supplies and fuel into the enclave.

Further details of the second and third phases of the pact will be announced as the first phase is certified.

Final ratification by the Israeli government is still awaited to initiate the first phase of the cease-fire. The government headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to meet in a special session at 15H30 this Friday (local time) for the approval of the agreement.

Al Jazeera media reported that Hamas requested a 48-hour quiet period before the agreement begins to facilitate the release of prisoners on the first day.

The negotiations come after more than 15 months of conflict that have seen the deaths of some 46,800 Palestinians in Gaza at the hands of Zionism, as well as more than 850 in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

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