Jerusalem, January 17, 2025 — In a significant move towards peace, the Israeli government officially approved a ceasefire agreement on Saturday aimed at securing the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. Following an intensive meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced the decision that could pave the way to ending the 15-month-old conflict.
According to official statements, the cabinet voted with 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 declared.
The ceasefire is set to commence on Sunday morning, initiating a six-week phase that includes hostage-for-prisoner exchanges. Thirty-three Israeli hostages, including women, children, and men over 50, are due to be freed. In exchange, Israel will release all Palestinian women and children under 19 detained in Israeli jails by the end of this initial phase.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk expressed optimism about the agreement's implementation. Speaking to CNN from the White House, McGurk stated, \"We have locked down every single detail in this agreement. We are quite confident… it is ready to be implemented on Sunday.\" Three female hostages are expected to be released to Israel on Sunday afternoon through the Red Cross.
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 to 119 since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday.
The international community watches closely as this development unfolds, hopeful that the ceasefire will hold and lead to lasting peace in the region.
(With input from Reuters)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
