Oct. 9 (UPI) -- The Israeli cabinet is in a meeting to ratify the Israel-Hamas hostage-release deal, and if it's ratified, within 72 hours all hostages and prisoners are scheduled to be released.
Both sides agreed to the deal earlier Thursday in Egypt, but it still must be ratified by Israel's cabinet. Once the deal is ratified, the cease-fire will take effect within 24 hours.
But ratification isn't a done deal. Two cabinet members -- Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir -- are expected to vote against it, the Jerusalem Post reported.
The Times of Israel reported that if the prisoner release happens, 250 prisoners serving life sentences in Israel will be released, along with 1,700 Gazans who have been arrested since the Oct. 7, 2023, attack but were not involved in it. They will be exiled abroad or sent to Gaza. About 22 minors who also did not participate in the Oct. 7 attack will be set free, the Times reported.
The release of Israeli hostages is due to take place after the Israeli Defense Force withdraws to new lines in Gaza, within 24 hours of Israel ratifying the deal.
