In a significant move toward ending a prolonged conflict, the Israeli government officially approved a ceasefire agreement on Saturday aimed at securing the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. The decision came after a lengthy meeting of all cabinet members, which concluded with a vote announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.
According to Israeli media reports, 24 ministers voted in favor of the deal, while eight opposed it, reflecting the contentious nature of the agreement within Israel’s political landscape.
“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, signaling a hopeful step toward de-escalation.
However, violence continued despite the ceasefire announcement. 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 total number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes to 119 since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday.
From the international front, Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk expressed optimism about the agreement’s implementation. Speaking to CNN from the White House, McGurk said, “We have locked down every single detail in this agreement. We are quite confident… it is ready to be implemented on Sunday.” He indicated that the ceasefire was expected to start on Sunday morning, with three female hostages to be released to Israel on Sunday afternoon through the Red Cross.
The ceasefire deal outlines 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 a reciprocal gesture, Israel will release all Palestinian women and children under 19 detained in Israeli jails by the end of the first phase.
The conflict, which has escalated over the past months, has had devastating impacts on both sides. The approval of the ceasefire agreement raises hopes among global readers, business professionals, academics, the Asian diaspora, and cultural explorers for a potential end to the hostilities.
(With input from Reuters)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
