In a significant stride towards peace, the Israeli government has officially approved a ceasefire agreement with Gaza, aiming to secure the release of hostages held in the enclave. The decision came after an extensive cabinet meeting on Saturday, as announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.
The approval saw a majority consensus within the government, with 24 ministers voting in favor of the deal and eight opposing it, according to Israeli media reports.
“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 turn in the longstanding conflict.
Despite the impending ceasefire, tensions remain high. Medics in Gaza reported that an Israeli airstrike early on Saturday resulted in the deaths of three people in a tent in the Mawasi area west of Khan Younis, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. This incident brings the total number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday to 119.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk expressed optimism about the ceasefire’s commencement. Speaking from the White House, he told CNN, “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 is expected to start on Sunday morning, with three female hostages to be released to Israel through the Red Cross in the afternoon.
Under the terms of the deal, the ceasefire will initiate an initial six-week phase that includes hostage-for-prisoner exchanges. This phase is seen as a potential pathway to ending the 15-month-old war that has wrought significant turmoil in the region.
During this initial phase, thirty-three Israeli hostages—including women, children, and men over 50—are set to be freed. In reciprocation, Israel will release all Palestinian women and children under the age of 19 who are detained in Israeli jails.
The agreement marks a critical moment in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, raising hopes for a sustained peace and the eventual resolution of hostilities. As both sides prepare for the ceasefire’s implementation, the world watches, hopeful that this will be a stepping stone toward lasting stability in the region.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
