Israeli Cabinet Approves Gaza Ceasefire Deal Amid Ongoing Tensions
The Israeli government has officially approved a ceasefire agreement aimed at securing the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced the decision on Saturday following an extensive meeting involving all cabinet members.
The vote saw 24 ministers in favor of the deal and eight opposing it, as reported by Israeli media. \"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 a release from Netanyahu's office.
Ceasefire Set to Begin Amid Continued Strikes
Despite the impending ceasefire, 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 southern part of the enclave. This incident brings the total number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes to 119 since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday.
Details of the Ceasefire Agreement
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk indicated that the White House expects the ceasefire to commence on Sunday morning. \"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 mentioned that three female hostages are expected to be released to Israel on Sunday afternoon through the Red Cross.
Under the terms of the deal, the ceasefire begins with an initial six-week phase that includes hostage-for-prisoner exchanges and could pave the way to ending the 15-month-old conflict. Thirty-three Israeli hostages, including women, children, and men over 50, are due to be freed in this phase. In return, Israel will release all Palestinian women and children under 19 detained in Israeli jails by the end of the first phase.
The agreement marks a significant step towards de-escalation in the region, although the continuation of air strikes raises concerns about the fragility of the ceasefire. International observers and stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation, hopeful that the ceasefire will hold and lead to a lasting peace.
(With input from Reuters)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
