In a significant move towards de-escalation, the Israeli government officially approved a ceasefire agreement on Saturday aimed at securing the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. The decision came after a lengthy meeting of all cabinet members, marking a potential turning point in the 15-month-old conflict.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced the approval, stating, \"The Government has approved the framework for the return of the hostages. The framework for the hostages' release will come into effect on Sunday.\" The agreement saw 24 ministers voting in favor while eight opposed, reflecting the complexity and high stakes of the situation.
Despite the impending ceasefire, medics in Gaza reported continued violence. An Israeli air strike 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 attack brought the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes to 119 since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday, highlighting the urgency for the ceasefire to take effect.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk expressed optimism about the ceasefire's implementation. Speaking from the White House, he told CNN, \"We have locked down every single detail in this agreement. We are quite confident… it is ready to be implemented on Sunday.\" According to McGurk, 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 will begin with an initial six-week phase that includes hostage-for-prisoner exchanges. This phase could pave the way for ending the prolonged conflict. Thirty-three Israeli hostages, including women, children, and men over 50, are due to be freed. In return, Israel will release all Palestinian women and children under 19 detained in Israeli jails by the end of the first phase.
The approval of the ceasefire agreement marks a hopeful step towards peace and the cessation of hostilities in the region. As both sides prepare to implement the terms, the international community watches closely, hopeful that this agreement will lead to lasting stability and the safe return of all hostages.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
