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 decision that could pave the way towards ending the 15-month-old war.
According to Israeli media, 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.
Despite the announcement of the ceasefire pact on Wednesday, tensions remained high. 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 brought to 119 the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes since the ceasefire pact was announced.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk conveyed optimism about the agreement’s implementation. Speaking to CNN from the White House, he said, “We have locked down every single detail in this agreement. We are quite confident… it is ready to be implemented on Sunday.” The White House expects the ceasefire to start on Sunday morning, with three female hostages to be released to Israel on Sunday afternoon through the Red Cross.
Under the terms of the deal, the ceasefire starts with an initial six-week phase involving hostage-for-prisoner exchanges. Thirty-three Israeli hostages, including women, children, and men over 50, are due to be freed in 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. This exchange could open the way to ending the prolonged conflict that has impacted countless lives on both sides.
(With input from Reuters)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
