The Israeli government has officially approved a ceasefire agreement aimed at securing the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip, following an extended cabinet meeting on Saturday, January 17, 2025. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced that the framework for the hostages' release will come into effect on Sunday.
In a decisive vote, 24 ministers supported the deal while eight opposed it, 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. A photo released by the Israeli Government Press Office shows Prime Minister Netanyahu heading the security cabinet meeting in Jerusalem.
Despite the impending ceasefire, tensions remain high. 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 in the southern part of the enclave. This incident brings the reported number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday to 119.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk expressed optimism about the ceasefire's implementation. Speaking from the White House, McGurk told CNN, \"We have locked down every single detail in this agreement. We are quite confident… it is ready to be implemented on Sunday.\" He confirmed that the ceasefire is expected to start on Sunday morning, with three female hostages to be released to Israel on Sunday afternoon through the Red Cross.
The ceasefire agreement outlines an initial six-week phase that includes hostage-for-prisoner exchanges and could pave the way toward ending the 15-month-old conflict. Under the terms of the deal, thirty-three Israeli hostages—including women, children, and men over 50—are due to be freed during this phase. In exchange, Israel will release all Palestinian women and children under 19 detained in Israeli jails by the end of the first phase.
The announcement marks a significant development in the longstanding conflict, offering a glimmer of hope for de-escalation and humanitarian relief. Observers around the world are watching closely as the agreement unfolds, recognizing the potential for this ceasefire to lead to more sustained peace efforts in the region.
(With input from Reuters)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
