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, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced the decision, marking a significant step toward easing tensions in the region.
According to Israeli media, the cabinet’s vote saw 24 ministers in favor and eight opposed. “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.
Continuing Strikes Amid Ceasefire Announcement
Despite the ceasefire agreement, medics in Gaza reported that Israeli air strikes continued. Early on Saturday, an Israeli air strike reportedly killed three people in a tent in the Mawasi area west of Khan Younis in southern Gaza. This incident brings the total number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes to 119 since the announcement of the ceasefire pact on Wednesday.
Ceasefire Implementation and Hostage Release
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk expressed confidence in the agreement’s implementation. Speaking from the White House to CNN, McGurk said, “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.
Under the deal, the ceasefire begins with an initial six-week phase that includes hostage-for-prisoner exchanges and could pave the way toward ending the 15-month-old conflict. During this 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 by the end of the first phase.
(With input from Reuters)
Cover Image: Israeli Government Press Office shows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu heading a security cabinet meeting to vote on a Gaza ceasefire, in Jerusalem on January 17, 2025. /CFP
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
