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 the approval of the deal, which is set to 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.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk expressed optimism about the implementation of the ceasefire. Speaking to CNN from the White House, McGurk said, \"We have locked down every single detail in this agreement. We are quite confident… it is ready to be implemented on Sunday.\"
Under the terms of the deal, the ceasefire will commence with an initial six-week phase that includes hostage-for-prisoner exchanges. This phase could pave the way toward ending the 15-month-old war between Israel and Gaza. 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 by the end of the first phase.
Despite the upcoming ceasefire, 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 southern part of the enclave. This incident brings the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday to 119.
The ceasefire agreement has been met with cautious optimism by the international community, with hopes that it will lead to a lasting peace in the region. The successful implementation of the deal could mark a significant step toward resolving ongoing hostilities and improving humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
(With input from Reuters)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
