The Israeli government officially approved a ceasefire agreement on Saturday aimed at securing the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip, following a lengthy meeting of all cabinet members, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced.
In a significant move towards ending the 15-month-old conflict, 24 ministers voted in favor of the deal, while eight opposed 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.
Despite the forthcoming ceasefire, 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 brought the 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 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,\" McGurk told CNN from the White House. He noted that three female hostages were expected to be released to Israel on Sunday afternoon through the Red Cross.
Under the deal, the ceasefire begins with an initial six-week phase that includes hostage-for-prisoner exchanges and could pave the way to ending the prolonged war.
In the first phase, thirty-three Israeli hostages, including women, children, and men over 50, are due to be freed. In return, Israel will release all Palestinian women and children under 19 detained in Israeli jails.
The approval of the ceasefire marks a pivotal moment in the region's ongoing struggle, providing a glimmer of hope for peace and stability.
(With input from Reuters)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
