The Israeli government has officially approved a ceasefire agreement aimed at securing the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. After a prolonged meeting on Saturday involving all cabinet members, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced the decision, signaling a potential turning point in the prolonged conflict.
According to Israeli media reports, 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,\" stated Netanyahu's office.
Ceasefire Details and Hostage Release
The agreement initiates with an initial six-week phase, focusing on hostage-for-prisoner exchanges, which could pave the way toward ending 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.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk expressed optimism about the implementation of the ceasefire. Speaking from the White House, McGurk 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 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.
Continued Strikes Ahead of Ceasefire
Despite the impending ceasefire, 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 in the southern enclave. This incident brings the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes to 119 since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday.
Looking Forward
The approval of the ceasefire deal by the Israeli cabinet marks a significant step toward de-escalation. The initial exchange of hostages and prisoners is seen as a critical confidence-building measure between the parties. If successful, it could open avenues for more comprehensive negotiations to end the prolonged conflict that has deeply affected communities on both sides.
(With input from Reuters)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
