The Israeli government officially approved a ceasefire agreement on Saturday, aiming to secure the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. Following a lengthy meeting of all cabinet members, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced the decision, marking a significant step toward ending the prolonged conflict.
According to Israeli media reports, 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 stated.
Despite the upcoming 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 southern part of the enclave. This incident brings the total number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday to 119.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk indicated that the White House expects the ceasefire to commence on Sunday morning, with three female hostages to be released to Israel in the afternoon through the Red Cross. \"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.
Under the terms of the deal, the ceasefire begins with an initial six-week phase that includes hostage-for-prisoner exchanges and could pave the way to ending the 15-month-old war. In this phase, thirty-three Israeli hostages, including women, children, and men over the age of 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 the first phase.
The approval of the ceasefire deal represents a critical juncture in the conflict, offering a glimmer of hope for peace and the safe return of hostages on both sides. The international community watches closely as the agreement unfolds, anticipating a de-escalation of violence and a possible end to the hostilities that have significantly impacted the region.
With input from Reuters
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
