Israeli Cabinet Approves Gaza Ceasefire, Hostage Release Expected Sunday
In a significant move towards de-escalation, the Israeli government officially approved a ceasefire agreement on Saturday aimed at securing the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. The decision followed a lengthy meeting involving all cabinet members, as announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office.
The approval came after extensive deliberations, with 24 ministers voting in favor of the deal and eight opposing it, according to Israeli media reports.
"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 Netanyahu's office, signaling a hopeful turn in the ongoing conflict.
Despite the announcement of the ceasefire pact on Wednesday, hostilities continued. Medics in Gaza reported that an Israeli air strike early on Saturday resulted in the deaths of three people in a tent in the Mawasi area west of Khan Younis in the enclave's south. This incident brought the total number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes since the ceasefire announcement to 119.
The United States, playing a key role in the negotiations, expressed optimism about the implementation of the ceasefire. Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk indicated that the White House expects the ceasefire to commence on Sunday morning, with the release of three female hostages to Israel on Sunday afternoon via 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.
The ceasefire deal outlines an initial six-week phase, during which hostage-for-prisoner exchanges are set to take place. This phase could potentially pave the way toward ending the 15-month-old war.
Under the agreement, thirty-three Israeli hostages—including women, children, and men over 50—are due to be freed. In reciprocity, Israel will release all Palestinian women and children under 19 detained in Israeli jails by the end of the first phase.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
