'Israel's' Security Cabinet pushes back meeting over Palestinian detainees dispute

'Israel’s' Cabinet meeting to vote on Gaza deal has been postponed to 8 p.m., two hours later than originally scheduled, Hebrew media reported Thursday.

The session, initially set for 6 p.m., follows a Security Cabinet meeting that was scheduled for 5 p.m. but has yet to begin. Delays were reportedly caused by debates over the names of Palestinian detainees to be released as part of the agreement, which is expected to free the remaining 48 captives held in Gaza, roughly 20 of whom are believed to be alive.

A government spokesperson earlier said the Gaza ceasefire would take effect within 24 hours of cabinet approval. “Within 24 hours of the Cabinet meeting, the ceasefire in Gaza will begin,” Shosh Bedrosian said, without specifying an exact implementation time.

The ceasefire agreement was announced early Thursday following four days of indirect negotiations in Egypt’s Red Sea city of Sharm el-Sheikh, mediated by Türkiye, Egypt, Qatar, and the United States.

The delayed approval underscores the sensitive nature of the negotiations, as 'Israeli' authorities balance the release of hostages with domestic political considerations and security concerns.