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 made the announcement, signaling a potential shift towards peace after 15 months of conflict.
According to Israeli media reports, the decision saw 24 ministers voting 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 stated.
However, 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.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk indicated optimism about the ceasefire's implementation. "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. 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.
Under the deal, the ceasefire starts with an initial six-week phase including hostage-for-prisoner exchanges. This could open the way to ending the 15-month-old war. In the first phase, 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.
(With input from Reuters)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
