Israeli President Isaac Herzog called on the Cabinet to approve the ceasefire agreement reached with Hamas on Wednesday night.
Saying that the state had "failed in its duty" to prevent the October 7 attacks, Mr Herzog emphasized the importance of bringing back all hostages and ending the conflict.
Asserting that Israeli society is "much stronger than we imagine," Mr Herzog insisted "The decision must be clear and unequivocal--We save them. We free them. We bring them home urgently, down to the last one."
After describing the sacrifices of soldiers since October 7, Mr Herzog said, "At great cost in blood, through enormous security, diplomatic, and societal efforts, we have created a moment of opportunity. We must seize it. Our nation has an open, bleeding wound that cannot heal until all our sisters and brothers return to their homeland."
The most contentious aspect of the agreement is the phased nature of the hostage release. The deal calls for the release of 33 hostages -- women, children, the elderly and the sick. Negotiations for the release of the remaining hostages will take place during the second phase if the ceasefire holds. Critics fear the remaining hostages will be held indefinitely.
At least 1,200 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas's attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the 95 remaining hostages, more than 30 have been declared dead. Hamas has also been holding captive two Israeli civilians since 2014 and 2015, and the bodies of two soldiers killed in 2014.
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