The Israeli government officially approved a ceasefire agreement on Saturday aimed at securing the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. Following a lengthy meeting of all cabinet members, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced that the deal would come into effect on Sunday.
According to Israeli media reports, 24 ministers voted in favor of the agreement, 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.
The ceasefire deal includes an initial six-week phase focusing on hostage-for-prisoner exchanges. Thirty-three Israeli hostages, including women, children, and men over 50, are due to be freed during this phase. In return, Israel will release all Palestinian women and children under 19 detained in Israeli jails.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk expressed confidence in the agreement's implementation. Speaking to CNN from the White House, he said, \"We have locked down every single detail in this agreement. We are quite confident… it is ready to be implemented on Sunday.\"
Despite the impending ceasefire, tensions remain high. 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 brings the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday to 119.
The ceasefire agreement raises hopes for an end to the 15-month-old war that has severely impacted both Israelis and Palestinians. International observers view the deal as a potential turning point in the longstanding conflict, emphasizing the importance of sustained diplomatic efforts.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
