Jerusalem, January 17, 2025 — The Israeli government officially approved a ceasefire agreement on Saturday aimed at securing the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. After a lengthy meeting of all cabinet members, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced the decision, marking a significant step toward de-escalating tensions in the region.
According to official statements, 24 ministers voted in favor of the deal, 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 declared.
However, the situation on the ground remained volatile. 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 brought the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday to 119.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk stated that the White House expects the ceasefire to start on Sunday morning, with three female hostages to be released to Israel on Sunday afternoon through the Red Cross.
“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.
Under the deal, the ceasefire starts with an initial six-week phase including hostage-for-prisoner exchanges and could open the way to ending the 15-month-old war.
During this phase, thirty-three 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.
The approval of the ceasefire deal has been met with cautious optimism by observers who hope it could pave the way for lasting peace in the region. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely as the agreement’s implementation unfolds.
(With input from Reuters)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
