The Israeli government officially approved a ceasefire agreement on Saturday, aiming to secure the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. After a lengthy meeting involving all cabinet members, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced the decision, marking a significant step towards ending the 15-month-old conflict.
In the crucial vote, 24 ministers supported 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,\\" stated Netanyahu's office.
Ceasefire Implementation
The ceasefire is set to commence with an initial six-week phase that includes hostage-for-prisoner exchanges. This phase could pave the way for a long-term resolution to the prolonged war. Under the agreement, thirty-three Israeli hostages—including women, children, and men over 50—are expected 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.
International Mediation Efforts
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk expressed optimism about the agreement's implementation. Speaking from the White House, he told CNN, \\"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 anticipated to begin on Sunday morning, with three female hostages to be released to Israel on Sunday afternoon through the Red Cross.
Continued Violence Despite Ceasefire Announcement
Despite the announcement of the ceasefire pact on Wednesday, hostilities have continued. 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 brings the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes since the ceasefire announcement to 119.
The ongoing conflict has taken a heavy toll on both sides, and the international community is watching closely as this ceasefire deal unfolds. The agreement represents a crucial opportunity to halt the violence and address the humanitarian concerns arising from the prolonged hostilities.
(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
