The Israeli government has officially approved a ceasefire agreement aimed at securing the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. The decision was made following a lengthy cabinet meeting on Saturday, as announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.
According to Israeli media, 24 ministers voted in favor of the deal, while eight opposed it.
“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 ceasefire announcement on Wednesday, medics in Gaza reported that Israeli air strikes early on Saturday killed three people in a tent in the Mawasi area west of Khan Younis in the enclave’s south. This brings the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes since the ceasefire pact was announced to 119.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk said the White House expected the ceasefire to start on Sunday morning, with three female hostages to be released to Israel on Sunday 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 ceasefire agreement initiates an initial six-week phase, including hostage-for-prisoner exchanges, potentially paving the way to ending the 15-month-long war.
Under the deal, 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children, and men over 50, are to be freed in this phase. Israel will release all Palestinian women and children under 19 detained in Israeli jails by the end of the first phase.
This ceasefire represents a crucial step towards de-escalating tensions in the region, offering hope for a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com