The Israeli government has officially approved a ceasefire agreement aimed at securing the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. After a lengthy cabinet meeting on Saturday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced the decision, marking a potential turning point in the 15-month-old conflict.
In a significant move, 24 ministers voted in favor of the deal, while eight opposed it, according to Israeli media reports. “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.
Despite the impending ceasefire, violence continues to affect civilians. 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 latest 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 expressed optimism about the ceasefire’s implementation. Speaking from the White House, he 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.
The agreement outlines an initial six-week phase that includes hostage-for-prisoner exchanges, potentially paving the way to ending the prolonged war. In this 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 by the end of the first phase.
The international community watches closely as this development unfolds, hoping for a lasting peace in the region. The ceasefire deal represents a critical step toward de-escalation and the potential resolution of long-standing tensions between Israel and Gaza.
(With input from Reuters)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
