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, marking a significant step towards easing tensions in the region.
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,\" Netanyahu's office stated.
Despite the impending ceasefire, violence continued as 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 enclave's south. This incident brought the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes to 119 since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk indicated that the White House expects the ceasefire to start on Sunday morning. \"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. He added that three female hostages are expected to be released to Israel on Sunday afternoon through the Red Cross.
The ceasefire agreement commences with an initial six-week phase, which includes hostage-for-prisoner exchanges and could pave the way towards ending the 15-month-old war. During this phase, thirty-three Israeli hostages, including women, children, and men over 50, are set 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 is watching closely as this agreement holds the potential to significantly alter the dynamics of the longstanding conflict. The release of hostages and prisoners is seen as a critical confidence-building measure that could lead to more comprehensive peace talks in the future.
(With input from Reuters)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
