The Israeli government has officially approved a ceasefire agreement aimed at securing the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. Following a lengthy cabinet meeting on Saturday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced the decision, marking a significant step towards potentially 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 expressed confidence in the agreement’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 ceasefire is expected to commence on Sunday morning, with three female hostages to be released to Israel that afternoon through the Red Cross.
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. During this period, 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 by the end of the first phase.
Despite the announcement of the ceasefire pact on Wednesday, hostilities have continued. 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 was announced to 119.
The approval of the ceasefire deal by the Israeli cabinet signals a potential turning point in the ongoing conflict, offering a glimpse of hope for peace in the region.
(With input from Reuters)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
