In a pivotal move that could herald the end of a 15-month-old conflict, the Israeli government has officially approved a ceasefire agreement aimed at securing the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. Following a lengthy cabinet meeting on Saturday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced the decision, marking a significant step towards peace in the region.
The decision saw 24 ministers voting in favor and eight opposing, reflecting the complex sentiments surrounding the deal. “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 declared, setting the stage for the ceasefire to begin.
However, the path to peace remains fraught with challenges. Early on Saturday, medics in Gaza reported that an Israeli air strike killed three people in a tent in the Mawasi area west of Khan Younis, in the southern part of the enclave. This incident raised the Palestinian death toll to 119 since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk expressed confidence in the impending ceasefire. 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.” The White House expects the ceasefire to start on Sunday morning, with three female hostages to be released to Israel on Sunday afternoon through the Red Cross.
Under the terms of the deal, the ceasefire begins with an initial six-week phase involving hostage-for-prisoner exchanges. This could pave the way toward ending the protracted war. During this phase, thirty-three Israeli hostages—including women, children, and men over 50—are scheduled for release. In exchange, Israel will release all Palestinian women and children under 19 detained in Israeli jails by the end of the first phase.
The international community watches with cautious optimism as this agreement unfolds, hopeful that it will bring lasting peace to a region long marred by conflict.
(With input from Reuters)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
