The Israeli government has officially approved a ceasefire agreement aimed at securing the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. Following a lengthy meeting on Saturday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced that the cabinet had endorsed the deal.
According to Israeli media reports, 24 ministers voted in favor of the agreement, 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 impending ceasefire, tensions remain high. 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 pact was announced on Wednesday to 119.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk indicated that the ceasefire is expected to commence on Sunday morning. \"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. He added that three female hostages are to be released to Israel on Sunday afternoon through the Red Cross.
The agreement outlines an initial six-week phase, including hostage-for-prisoner exchanges, which could pave the way to ending the 15-month-old war. During this phase, thirty-three Israeli hostages, including women, children, and men over 50, are due to be freed. In return, 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 situation, hoping that the ceasefire will hold and lead to a lasting resolution. The conflict has had a significant impact on the region, and many are eager to see an end to the hostilities.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
