The Israeli government officially approved a ceasefire agreement on Saturday, aiming to secure the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. Following a lengthy cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced the decision, signaling a potential step towards ending the ongoing conflict.
According to Israeli media reports, 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.
Ceasefire to Begin on Sunday
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk conveyed optimism about the ceasefire'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 start on Sunday morning, with three female hostages scheduled to be released to Israel on Sunday afternoon through the Red Cross.
Hostage Exchange Framework
Under the agreement, the ceasefire begins with an initial six-week phase involving hostage-for-prisoner exchanges. This phase could pave the way toward ending the 15-month-old war. 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.
Continued Strikes in Gaza
Despite the announcement of the ceasefire pact on Wednesday, Israeli air strikes continued in Gaza. Medics reported that an 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 brings the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes since the ceasefire announcement to 119.
The ongoing conflict has had a profound impact on the region, and the approval of the ceasefire deal represents a crucial development in efforts to restore peace and stability. Observers worldwide are watching closely as the ceasefire comes into effect, hopeful for a lasting resolution.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
