The Israeli government has officially approved a ceasefire agreement aimed at securing the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. Following an extensive cabinet meeting on Saturday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced the decision, signaling a potential turning point in the prolonged conflict.
The agreement, which was met with varied reactions within the government, saw 24 ministers voting in favor and eight opposing, 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 announcement, tensions remain high. 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 southern part of the enclave. This latest incident brings the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes to 119 since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk expressed 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.” He added that the ceasefire is expected to start on Sunday morning, with three female hostages set to be released to Israel that afternoon through the Red Cross.
Under the terms of the deal, the ceasefire begins with an initial six-week phase that includes hostage-for-prisoner exchanges. During this phase, thirty-three Israeli hostages—including women, children, and men over the age of 50—are due to be freed. In reciprocation, Israel will release all Palestinian women and children under 19 detained in Israeli jails by the end of the first phase.
The agreement offers a glimmer of hope for a resolution to the 15-month-old war, potentially paving the way for lasting peace in the region. As both sides prepare for the ceasefire to take effect, the international community watches closely, hopeful that this initiative will mark the beginning of a new chapter in Middle East relations.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
