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 cabinet meeting. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced that the framework for the hostages' release will come into effect on Sunday.
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,\" Netanyahu's office stated. \"The framework for the hostages' release will come into effect on Sunday.\"
The ceasefire agreement marks a significant step towards ending what has become a 15-month-old conflict between Israel and Gaza. Under the deal, the ceasefire will commence with an initial six-week phase that includes hostage-for-prisoner exchanges.
In this initial phase, thirty-three Israeli hostages, including women, children, and men over 50, are set 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.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk expressed confidence in the agreement's implementation. Speaking from the White House, McGurk told CNN, \"We have locked down every single detail in this agreement. We are quite confident… it is ready to be implemented on Sunday.\"
The ceasefire is expected to start on Sunday morning, with three female hostages to be released to Israel on Sunday afternoon through the Red Cross.
Meanwhile, 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 event brings the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday to 119.
The ongoing conflict has seen significant casualties on both sides, and the approved ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope for a de-escalation of tensions. The international community is watching closely as the initial phase of the agreement unfolds, with the potential to pave the way towards a more lasting peace in the region.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
