The Israeli government officially approved a ceasefire agreement on Saturday aimed at securing the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip, following a lengthy meeting of all cabinet members, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced.
According to Israeli media, 24 ministers voted in favor of the deal, while eight opposed it. “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.
Despite the impending ceasefire, tensions remain high. 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 the enclave’s south. This incident brings the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday to 119.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk expressed 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.” 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.
Under the deal, the ceasefire begins with an initial six-week phase that includes hostage-for-prisoner exchanges and could pave the way to ending the 15-month-old war. Thirty-three Israeli hostages, including women, children, and men over 50, are due to be freed in this phase. In return, Israel will release all Palestinian women and children under 19 detained in Israeli jails by the end of the first phase.
(With input from Reuters)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
