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, bringing a glimmer of hope to a region long plagued by conflict.
According to Israeli media reports, the decision saw 24 ministers voting 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,\" stated a release from Netanyahu's office.
Despite the impending ceasefire, violence continued. 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, located in the southern part of the enclave. This incident brought 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 optimism about the ceasefire implementation. Speaking from the White House, McGurk told CNN, \"We have locked down every single detail in this agreement. We are quite confident… it is ready to be implemented on Sunday.\" He added that the White House expected the ceasefire to start on Sunday morning, with three female hostages to be released to Israel on Sunday afternoon through the Red Cross.
The deal stipulates that the ceasefire will begin with an initial six-week phase, including hostage-for-prisoner exchanges. This phase could pave the way to ending the 15-month-old war. During this period, thirty-three Israeli hostages, including women, children, and men over 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 international community watches closely as this agreement unfolds, hoping it might signal a step toward lasting peace in the region.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
