Israeli Cabinet Approves Gaza Ceasefire Deal to Secure Hostages’ Release
In a pivotal move that could signal a turning point in the longstanding conflict, the Israeli government officially approved a ceasefire agreement on Saturday aimed at securing the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. After an intense and lengthy meeting involving all cabinet members, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced the decision that offers a glimmer of hope for peace in the region.
The agreement, which had been the subject of intense negotiations, saw 24 ministers voting in favor while eight opposed it, according to Israeli media. “The Government has approved the framework for the return of the hostages. The framework for the hostages’ release will come into effect on Sunday,” stated Netanyahu’s office, highlighting the urgency and significance of the plan.
However, the situation remains fragile. Early on Saturday, medics in Gaza reported that an Israeli airstrike killed three people in a tent in the Mawasi area west of Khan Younis in the southern enclave. This tragic incident brings the total number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes to 119 since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday, underscoring the ongoing volatility.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk expressed cautious optimism about the ceasefire’s implementation. Speaking from the White House, McGurk told CNN, “We have locked down every single detail in this agreement. We are quite confident… it is ready to be implemented on Sunday.” He confirmed that the ceasefire is expected to start on Sunday morning, with three female hostages to be released to Israel on Sunday afternoon through the Red Cross.
The ceasefire deal initiates with an initial six-week phase, which includes hostage-for-prisoner exchanges—a move that could open the way to ending the 15-month-old war. In this phase, thirty-three Israeli hostages, including women, children, and men over 50, are due to be freed. In reciprocity, Israel will release all Palestinian women and children under 19 detained in Israeli jails by the end of the first phase.
This agreement represents a significant step towards de-escalation and potentially, a lasting peace. For the global community, particularly those invested in the Middle East’s stability, these developments are being closely monitored. Business professionals, investors, and academics are considering the implications of this ceasefire on regional economic trends and geopolitical dynamics.
The coming days will be critical in determining whether this ceasefire can hold and whether it can lead to a broader resolution of the conflict that has affected countless lives on both sides.
(With input from Reuters)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com