The Israeli government officially approved a ceasefire agreement on Saturday aimed at securing the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. After a lengthy meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced that the deal would come into effect on Sunday.
Overwhelming Approval Despite Opposition
According to Israeli media, 24 ministers voted in favor of the ceasefire 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.
Continued Strikes Amid Ceasefire Announcement
Despite the impending ceasefire, 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 brought the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday to 119.
Details of the Ceasefire Agreement
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk indicated that the White House expects the ceasefire to start on Sunday morning, with three female hostages to be released to Israel on Sunday afternoon through 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.
Under the deal, the ceasefire begins with an initial six-week phase that includes hostage-for-prisoner exchanges. This phase could pave the way to ending the 15-month-old war. In this initial stage, 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.
Hope for an End to Prolonged Conflict
The approval of the ceasefire agreement raises hopes for an end to the prolonged conflict that has caused significant loss of life and suffering on both sides. The international community watches closely as the first steps toward peace are set to begin.
(With input from Reuters)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
