JERUSALEM—In a significant step toward de-escalating tensions, the Israeli government officially approved a ceasefire agreement on Saturday aimed at securing the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. Following an extended meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced the cabinet's decision, signaling a potential turning point in the 15-month-old conflict.
According to the announcement, 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 looming ceasefire, violence continued early Saturday. Medical officials in Gaza reported that an Israeli airstrike killed three people in a tent in the Mawasi area west of Khan Younis, bringing the total number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes to 119 since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk, speaking from the White House, expressed confidence in the agreement's implementation. \"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.
Under the terms of the deal, the ceasefire will commence with an initial six-week phase that includes hostage-for-prisoner exchanges and could pave the way toward ending the prolonged conflict. Thirty-three Israeli hostages, including women, children, and men over 50, are due to be freed during this phase. In exchange, Israel will release all Palestinian women and children under 19 detained in Israeli jails by the end of the first phase.
The Red Cross is expected to facilitate the release of three female hostages to Israel on Sunday afternoon.
The agreement offers a glimmer of hope for peace in the region, with many viewing it as a significant step toward resolving longstanding tensions.
(With input from Reuters)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
