In a significant move towards ending the 15-month-old conflict, 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 of all cabinet members, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced the decision, signaling a potential turning point in the protracted war.
Overwhelming Support Amidst Opposition
The ceasefire deal garnered substantial support within the cabinet, with 24 ministers voting in favor and eight opposing, 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,\" Netanyahu's office stated.
Continued Strikes Amid Ceasefire Announcement
Despite the impending ceasefire, hostilities have persisted. Medics in Gaza reported that an Israeli airstrike early on Saturday resulted in the deaths of three people in a tent in the Mawasi area west of Khan Younis in the southern enclave. This incident brought the total number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes to 119 since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday.
International Coordination and Expectations
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk expressed confidence in the ceasefire's implementation, stating from the White House that all details had been finalized. \"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. The ceasefire is expected to commence on Sunday morning, with three female hostages scheduled to be released to Israel on Sunday afternoon through the Red Cross.
Terms of the Ceasefire Agreement
Under the terms of the deal, the ceasefire will initiate with an initial six-week phase that includes hostage-for-prisoner exchanges. This phase could pave the way toward ending the ongoing war. Thirty-three Israeli hostages, including women, children, and men over 50, are due to be freed in this phase. In reciprocation, Israel will release all Palestinian women and children under 19 detained in Israeli jails by the end of the first phase.
(With input from Reuters)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
