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 cabinet meeting. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced the decision after 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.
Continued Conflict Despite Ceasefire Pact
Despite the announcement, hostilities have continued. Medics in Gaza reported that an Israeli airstrike early on Saturday killed three people in a tent in the Mawasi area west of Khan Younis, located in the southern part of the enclave. This incident brings the total number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes to 119 since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday.
Hostage Release and Ceasefire Implementation
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk indicated that the White House expects 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.
Under the terms of the deal, the ceasefire begins with an initial six-week phase that includes hostage-for-prisoner exchanges, potentially paving the way to end the 15-month-old war. In 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)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
