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 that the framework for the hostages’ return will come into effect on Sunday.
According to Israeli media, the agreement saw robust debate within the cabinet, with 24 ministers voting in favor and eight opposing the deal. “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.”
Meanwhile, tensions remain high in the Gaza Strip. Medics reported that an Israeli airstrike early on Saturday killed three people in a tent in the Mawasi area west of Khan Younis in the enclave’s south. This incident brings 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, speaking from the White House, expressed confidence in the ceasefire’s imminent 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.
The ceasefire deal initiates with an initial six-week phase that includes hostage-for-prisoner exchanges and could pave the way to ending the 15-month-old war. During this phase, thirty-three Israeli hostages, including women, children, and men over 50, are due to be freed. In exchange, 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 agreement could mark a significant step toward peace in the region. The exchange of hostages and prisoners underscores a mutual acknowledgment of the human cost of the prolonged conflict.
As the ceasefire is set to commence, families on both sides await the safe return of their loved ones. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether this agreement can lead to a lasting peace after years of strife.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
