The Israeli government officially approved a ceasefire agreement on Saturday, aiming to secure the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. Following a lengthy cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced the decision, marking a significant step towards ending the 15-month-old conflict.
According to Israeli media reports, 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 stated.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk indicated that the ceasefire is expected 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.
Under the terms of the agreement, the ceasefire begins with an initial six-week phase that includes hostage-for-prisoner exchanges. This phase could pave the way towards ending the prolonged war. 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.
Despite the impending ceasefire, medics in Gaza reported that an Israeli airstrike 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.
The ceasefire deal has raised hopes for a potential end to the hostilities that have persisted over the past 15 months. The international community is closely watching the developments, anticipating a reduction in tensions and a move towards lasting peace in the region.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
