In a crucial step towards de-escalation, the Israeli government officially approved a ceasefire agreement on Saturday, aiming to secure the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. Following an extensive meeting of all cabinet members, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced the decision that could pave the way for a significant shift in the prolonged conflict.
According to reports from Israeli media, the agreement saw a substantial majority in the cabinet, with 24 ministers voting in favor and eight opposing. \"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 the official announcement from Netanyahu's office.
Despite the impending 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, located in the southern part of the enclave. This latest incident brought the death toll to 119 Palestinians since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday, highlighting the fragile nature of the truce.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk expressed optimism about the ceasefire'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.\" McGurk added that the ceasefire is expected to start on Sunday morning, with three female hostages to be released to Israel in the afternoon through the Red Cross.
The ceasefire deal outlines an initial six-week phase that includes hostage-for-prisoner exchanges. This phase could potentially open the way to ending the 15-month-old war that has caused significant devastation and loss of life. Under the agreement, thirty-three Israeli hostages—including women, children, and men over 50—are due to be freed. In exchange, 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 the ceasefire will hold and lead to a lasting peace in the region. The agreement represents a tentative but critical step towards resolving one of the most enduring conflicts in the Middle East.
(With input from Reuters)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
