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 a lengthy meeting involving all cabinet members, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced the decision that could mark a turning point in the 15-month-old conflict.
The agreement saw considerable support within the cabinet, with 24 ministers voting in favor and eight opposing. "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, highlighting the urgency and importance of the deal.
Despite the ceasefire announcement on Wednesday, tensions have remained 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 southern enclave. This incident brought the total number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes to 119 since the ceasefire pact was declared.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk expressed optimism about the ceasefire'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." According to McGurk, the ceasefire is expected to commence on Sunday morning, with three female hostages scheduled to be released to Israel that afternoon through the Red Cross.
The deal initiates an initial six-week phase that includes hostage-for-prisoner exchanges and could potentially open the way to ending the protracted conflict. Thirty-three Israeli hostages, including women, children, and men over 50, are due to be freed during this period. In reciprocation, Israel will release all Palestinian women and children under 19 detained in Israeli jails by the end of the first phase.
The international community is closely monitoring the developments, hoping that this agreement will lead to sustained peace and stability in the region. As both sides prepare to implement the ceasefire, there is cautious optimism that the cycle of violence may give way to dialogue and reconciliation.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
