The Israeli government officially approved a ceasefire agreement on Saturday aimed at securing the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip, following a lengthy meeting of all cabinet members, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced.
According to Israeli media reports, 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.
The ceasefire marks a significant step towards ending the 15-month-old war, beginning with an initial six-week phase that includes hostage-for-prisoner exchanges. Under the agreement, thirty-three Israeli hostages, including women, children, and men over 50, are due to be freed. In return, Israel will release all Palestinian women and children under 19 detained in Israeli jails during the first phase.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk 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 from the White House. He added that three female hostages are expected to be released to Israel on Sunday afternoon through the Red Cross.
Despite the upcoming ceasefire, violence continued in the region. 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 enclave's south. This incident brings the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday to 119.
The international community is watching closely as the ceasefire's implementation could pave the way for lasting peace in the region. The exchange of hostages and prisoners represents a critical move towards de-escalation and rebuilding trust between the parties involved.
(With input from Reuters)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
