The Israeli government officially approved a ceasefire agreement on Saturday, aiming to secure the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. This decision came after a lengthy meeting of all cabinet members, as announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office.
According to Israeli media, the vote saw overwhelming support with 24 ministers in favor and eight opposing the deal.
\"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.
Continued Strikes Amid Ceasefire Announcement
Despite the ceasefire pact announced on Wednesday, medics in Gaza reported that an Israeli airstrike early on Saturday killed three people in a tent in the Mawasi area west of Khan Younis. This incident brings the toll to 119 Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes since the announcement.
Implementation Set for Sunday
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk indicated that the White House expects the ceasefire to start 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 also mentioned that three female hostages are expected to be released to Israel on Sunday afternoon through the Red Cross.
Details of the Ceasefire Deal
Under the terms of the agreement, the ceasefire begins with an initial six-week phase that includes hostage-for-prisoner exchanges and could pave the way toward ending the 15-month-old war.
During this phase, 33 Israeli hostages—including women, children, and men over 50—are due to be freed. In exchange, 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