The Israeli government officially approved a ceasefire agreement on Saturday, aiming to secure the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. After a lengthy meeting of all cabinet members, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced the decision that could mark a significant step toward ending the 15-month-old war.
In a vote that reflected the gravity of the situation, 24 ministers supported the deal while eight opposed it, according to Israeli media reports. \"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.
Despite the announcement of the ceasefire pact on Wednesday, hostilities have continued. 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 southern part of the enclave. This incident brings the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes since the ceasefire was announced to 119.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk expressed confidence in the upcoming ceasefire implementation. Speaking to CNN from the White House, McGurk said, \"We have locked down every single detail in this agreement. We are quite confident… it is ready to be implemented on Sunday.\" He noted that the White House expects the ceasefire 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 ceasefire will commence with an initial 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 during this phase. In reciprocation, Israel will release all Palestinian women and children under 19 detained in Israeli jails by the end of the first phase.
The agreement has the potential to open the way to ending the prolonged conflict that has impacted countless lives on both sides. The international community watches closely as both parties prepare to implement the terms of the ceasefire, hoping for a lasting peace in the region.
(With input from Reuters)
(Cover: Israeli Government Press Office shows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu heading a security cabinet meeting to vote on a Gaza ceasefire, in Jerusalem on January 17, 2025. /CFP)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
