In a significant stride 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 extensive meeting of all cabinet members, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced the decision that could potentially bring an end to the 15-month-old conflict.
Israeli media reported that the cabinet vote concluded with 24 ministers in favor of the deal and eight opposing 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,\" stated an official release from Netanyahu's office.
The ceasefire is set to commence with an initial six-week phase, featuring hostage-for-prisoner exchanges. During this period, thirty-three Israeli hostages—including women, children, and men over 50—are due to be freed. In reciprocity, 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 impending truce. Speaking from the White House to CNN, he said, \"We have locked down every single detail in this agreement. We are quite confident… it is ready to be implemented on Sunday.\" The ceasefire is expected to begin on Sunday morning, with three female hostages to be released to Israel on Sunday afternoon through the Red Cross.
Despite the looming 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 since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday to 119.
The approval of the ceasefire deal marks a hopeful step towards de-escalation in the region. As both sides prepare for the initial exchanges, international observers are cautiously optimistic that this agreement could pave the way for lasting peace.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
