The Israeli government officially approved a ceasefire agreement on Saturday aimed at securing the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. The decision came after a prolonged meeting of all cabinet members, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed the outcome.
In a significant move towards ending a 15-month-long 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 announced.
Despite the forthcoming ceasefire, tensions remained 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 enclave's south. This incident brought the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes to 119 since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk stated that the White House expects the ceasefire to commence on Sunday morning, with three female hostages to be released to Israel in the afternoon through the Red Cross. \"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.
The agreement outlines an initial six-week phase that includes hostage-for-prisoner exchanges, potentially opening the pathway to ending the prolonged war. During this phase, thirty-three Israeli hostages—including women, children, and men over 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 international community watches closely as this development unfolds, hopeful that it may lead to lasting peace in the region. The ceasefire represents a critical juncture in Israeli-Palestinian relations, with many viewing it as an opportunity to break the cycle of violence.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
