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 said.
The ceasefire, set to begin on Sunday morning, marks a significant step toward ending the 15-month-old war between Israel and Gaza. Under the deal, an initial six-week phase will include hostage-for-prisoner exchanges and could open the way to lasting peace. 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.
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.
Despite the impending ceasefire, tensions remain high. 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 brought the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday to 119.
The international community is watching closely as this agreement could pave the way for a lasting peace in the region. The release of hostages and prisoners is seen as a crucial step in rebuilding trust between the two sides.
(With input from Reuters)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
