Israeli Cabinet Approves Gaza Ceasefire Deal; Hostage Exchanges to Begin
In a significant move towards peace, the Israeli government officially approved a ceasefire agreement on Saturday aimed at securing the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. Following an extended meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced the decision, marking a pivotal step in the 15-month-long conflict.
The approval saw 24 ministers voting in favor of the deal, while eight opposed it, reflecting a strong majority backing the ceasefire. \"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.
Despite the forthcoming ceasefire, tensions remain high. Medics in Gaza reported that an Israeli air strike early on Saturday resulted in the deaths of three individuals sheltering in a tent in the Mawasi area west of Khan Younis in the southern enclave. This incident brings the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes to 119 since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk expressed confidence in the ceasefire's implementation, indicating that it is set 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 noted 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. This phase could potentially pave the way to ending the prolonged war. Thirty-three Israeli hostages, including women, children, and men over 50, are due to be freed. In reciprocation, Israel will release all Palestinian women and children under 19 detained in Israeli jails by the end of this first phase.
The international community watches with cautious optimism as this agreement may signal a turning point in the conflict, offering a glimmer of hope for lasting peace in the region.
(With input from Reuters)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
