In a significant move towards de-escalation, the Israeli government officially approved a ceasefire agreement on Saturday, aiming to secure the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. Following a prolonged cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed the decision.
The agreement saw substantial support, with 24 ministers voting in favor and eight opposing, according to Israeli media reports. “The government has approved the framework for the return of the hostages. The framework for the hostages’ release will come into effect on Sunday,” Netanyahu’s office announced.
However, tensions remain high. Medics in Gaza reported that an Israeli airstrike early on Saturday resulted in the deaths of three people in a tent in the Mawasi area west of Khan Younis, located in the southern part of the enclave. This incident brings the number of Palestinians killed since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday to 119.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk expressed optimism about the agreement’s implementation. Speaking from the White House, he 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 added that the ceasefire is expected to start on Sunday morning, with three female hostages set to be released to Israel on Sunday afternoon through the Red Cross.
Under the terms of the deal, the ceasefire initiates an initial six-week phase, which includes hostage-for-prisoner exchanges and could potentially pave the way to ending the 15-month-old conflict. Thirty-three Israeli hostages, including women, children, and men over 50, are due to be freed in this phase. In reciprocation, Israel will release all Palestinian women and children under 19 detained in Israeli jails by the end of the first phase.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
