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 the decision, marking a significant step towards de-escalation in the region.
According to Israeli media reports, the agreement received substantial support within the cabinet, with 24 ministers voting in favor and eight opposing. \"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 Set to Begin Sunday
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk indicated that the ceasefire is expected to commence on Sunday morning. In an interview with CNN from the White House, McGurk expressed confidence in the agreement's implementation. \"We have locked down every single detail in this agreement. We are quite confident… it is ready to be implemented on Sunday,\" he said.
Under the terms of the deal, the initial six-week phase includes hostage-for-prisoner exchanges, potentially paving the way to end the 15-month-old conflict. Thirty-three Israeli hostages, including women, children, and men over 50, are due to be released during this phase. In return, Israel will release all Palestinian women and children under 19 detained in Israeli jails by the end of the first phase.
Continued Strikes Ahead of Ceasefire
Despite the upcoming ceasefire, tensions remain high. Medics in Gaza 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.
The international community is watching closely as both sides prepare to implement the ceasefire agreement. The successful release of hostages and prisoners could signal a turning point in the long-standing conflict between Israel and Gaza.
The Red Cross is expected to facilitate the release of the first group of hostages on Sunday afternoon, with three female hostages being returned to Israel.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
