The Israeli government has officially approved a ceasefire agreement aimed at securing the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. Following a lengthy meeting on Saturday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that the cabinet voted in favor of the deal, signaling a potential turning point in the ongoing conflict.
In a statement released after the meeting, Netanyahu’s office said, “The government has approved the framework for the return of the hostages. The framework for the hostages’ release will come into effect on Sunday.”
According to Israeli media reports, the decision saw 24 ministers voting in favor while eight opposed, reflecting the complexities and divergent views within the government regarding the agreement.
Meanwhile, medics in Gaza reported that an Israeli air strike early on Saturday resulted in the deaths of three people sheltering in a tent in the Mawasi area west of Khan Younis in the southern part of the enclave. This incident brings the reported number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday to 119.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk indicated that the White House expects the ceasefire to commence on Sunday morning, with the first group of hostages to be released that afternoon through coordination with 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.
Under the terms of the deal, the ceasefire will start with an initial six-week phase that includes hostage-for-prisoner exchanges. This phase could pave the way toward ending the 15-month-old war between Israel and Gaza.
During this initial period, thirty-three Israeli hostages—including women, children, and men over 50 years old—are slated to be freed. In reciprocation, Israel will release all Palestinian women and children under the age of 19 currently detained in Israeli prisons.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
