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 meeting of all cabinet members, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced the decision that could pave the way toward ending the 15-month-old conflict.
According to Israeli media reports, the vote saw 24 ministers in favor and eight opposing 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 stated.
Ceasefire Set to Begin on Sunday
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk indicated that the ceasefire is expected to commence on Sunday morning. “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. Under the agreement, three female hostages are to be released to Israel on Sunday afternoon through the Red Cross.
Exchange of Hostages and Detainees
The initial phase of the ceasefire, lasting six weeks, includes a series of hostage-for-prisoner exchanges. Thirty-three Israeli hostages, including women, children, and men over 50, are due to be freed during this period. In return, Israel will release all Palestinian women and children under 19 detained in Israeli jails by the end of this phase.
Continued Violence Despite Agreement
Despite the announcement of the ceasefire pact on Wednesday, hostilities have persisted. Medics in Gaza reported that an Israeli airstrike 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 announcement to 119.
The sustained violence underscores the fragility of the agreement and the urgent need for its implementation. The international community watches closely as both sides prepare to honor the terms of the deal, hoping it will lead to a lasting peace in the region.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
