The Israeli government officially approved a ceasefire agreement on Saturday, paving the way for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. After a prolonged meeting of cabinet members, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced the decision, marking a significant step toward de-escalation in the region.
\"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.
The agreement was met with a substantial majority within the cabinet, with 24 ministers voting in favor and eight opposing, according to Israeli media reports. The approval signals Israel's commitment to ending the 15-month-old conflict that has deeply affected both Israelis and Palestinians.
Despite the forthcoming ceasefire, tensions remain high. Medics in Gaza reported that an Israeli air strike early on Saturday resulted in the deaths of three people in a tent in the Mawasi area west of Khan Younis in the southern part of the enclave. This incident brings the total number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes to 119 since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk expressed optimism about the deal'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 to be released to Israel on Sunday afternoon through the Red Cross.
Under the terms of the deal, the initial phase includes a ceasefire lasting six weeks, during which hostage-for-prisoner exchanges will take place. This phase is seen as a potential gateway to ending the prolonged conflict.
In this initial phase, thirty-three Israeli hostages—including women, children, and men over 50—are expected to be freed. In reciprocation, Israel will release all Palestinian women and children under 19 detained in Israeli jails by the end of this phase.
The international community watches closely as these developments unfold, hoping for a lasting peace in a region long troubled by conflict. The ceasefire agreement represents a critical opportunity for both sides to move toward reconciliation and address the humanitarian concerns that have arisen over the past months.
(With input from Reuters)
Cover: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (center) heads a security cabinet meeting to vote on a Gaza ceasefire in Jerusalem on January 17, 2025. /CFP
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
