The Israeli government officially approved a ceasefire agreement with Gaza on Saturday, aiming to secure the release of hostages held in the enclave. Following a lengthy cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced the approval, signaling a potential turning point in the 15-month-old conflict.
In a vote that saw 24 ministers in favor and 8 opposed, the Israeli cabinet’s decision paves the way for an initial six-week ceasefire phase. This period includes hostage-for-prisoner exchanges and could open the door to ending the protracted war.
“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 stated. Thirty-three Israeli hostages, including women, children, and men over 50, are due to be freed in this phase.
In exchange, Israel will release all Palestinian women and children under 19 detained in Israeli jails by the end of the first phase. This mutual agreement marks a significant step towards easing tensions in the region.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk expressed confidence in the agreement’s implementation. “We have locked down every single detail in this agreement. We are quite confident… it is ready to be implemented on Sunday,” McGurk told CNN from the White House.
According to McGurk, 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.
Despite the announcement, violence has continued. Medics in Gaza reported that an Israeli air strike early on Saturday killed three people in a tent in the Mawasi area west of Khan Younis in southern Gaza. This incident brings to 119 the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday.
The international community watches closely as the ceasefire’s implementation could signal a shift towards peace in the region. The 15-month conflict has taken a heavy toll on both sides, and the forthcoming prisoner exchanges may foster goodwill and reduce hostilities.
The agreement holds significant implications not only for Israel and Gaza but also for the broader Middle East, potentially impacting regional stability and international relations.
As the ceasefire is set to commence, hopes are cautiously rising for a de-escalation in violence and a move towards lasting peace in the region.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
