The Israeli government officially approved a ceasefire agreement on Saturday aimed at securing the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. Following an extensive meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced that the framework for the hostages' release would come into effect on Sunday.
According to Israeli media reports, 24 ministers voted in favor of the deal, while eight opposed it. In a statement, Netanyahu's office said, \"The Government has approved the framework for the return of the hostages. The framework for the hostages' release will come into effect on Sunday.\"
Despite the ceasefire announcement on Wednesday, 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 brought the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes since the ceasefire pact was announced to 119.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk expressed confidence in the ceasefire's 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 indicated that the ceasefire is expected to start on Sunday morning, with three female hostages to be released to Israel that afternoon through the Red Cross.
The agreement outlines an initial six-week phase that includes hostage-for-prisoner exchanges and could pave the way toward ending the 15-month-old war. During this phase, 33 Israeli hostages—comprising women, children, and men over 50—are slated for release. In reciprocation, Israel will release all Palestinian women and children under 19 detained in Israeli jails by the end of the first phase.
The ceasefire deal is seen as a significant step toward de-escalating tensions in the region and holds the potential to initiate broader peace negotiations aimed at resolving the longstanding conflict.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
