Jerusalem—In a significant move toward peace, the Israeli government officially approved a ceasefire agreement on Saturday, aiming to secure the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. Following an extensive meeting of all cabinet members, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced the decision that could pave the way to ending the 15-month-long conflict.
The cabinet's vote saw 24 ministers in favor and eight opposed to the deal. \"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 declared, marking a hopeful turn in the protracted hostilities between Israel and Gaza.
Despite the impending ceasefire, tensions remain 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, bringing the total number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes to 119 since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk expressed optimism about 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 commence on Sunday morning, with three female hostages to be released to Israel that afternoon through the Red Cross.
The ceasefire agreement initiates with an initial six-week phase that includes hostage-for-prisoner exchanges. This phase is seen as a crucial step that could open the way to ending the war. Thirty-three Israeli hostages, including women, children, and men over 50, are due to be freed during this period. In reciprocation, Israel will release all Palestinian women and children under 19 detained in Israeli jails by the end of the first phase.
This development has sparked cautious optimism among international observers and has significant implications for regional stability. The successful implementation of the ceasefire could not only halt the immediate violence but also lay the groundwork for more comprehensive peace talks in the future.
(With input from Reuters)
(Cover Image: Israeli Government Press Office shows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu heading a security cabinet meeting to vote on a Gaza ceasefire, in Jerusalem on January 17, 2025. /CFP)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
