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 of all cabinet members, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced the decision, marking a significant step towards potentially ending the ongoing conflict.
According to Israeli media reports, 24 ministers voted in favor of the deal, while eight opposed it, reflecting a division within the government. \"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.
The ceasefire, set to commence on Sunday morning, includes an initial six-week phase focusing on hostage-for-prisoner exchanges and could open the way to ending the 15-month-old war. Thirty-three Israeli hostages, including women, children, and men over 50, are expected to be freed during this phase. 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 confidence in the agreement's implementation. Speaking to CNN from the White House, he said, \"We have locked down every single detail in this agreement. We are quite confident… it is ready to be implemented on Sunday.\" Three female hostages are scheduled to be released to Israel on Sunday afternoon through the Red Cross.
Despite the announcement of the ceasefire pact on Wednesday, Israeli airstrikes have continued in the Gaza Strip. 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 brings the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes since the ceasefire pact was announced to 119.
The ceasefire agreement holds the potential to pave the way toward ending the prolonged conflict, providing a glimmer of hope for lasting peace in the region. The initial phase aims to build trust between the parties through the exchange of detainees and hostages.
The international community has closely watched these developments, with hopes that the ceasefire will hold and lead to substantive negotiations. The involvement of the United States as a mediator underscores the global significance of the conflict and the urgent need for resolution.
(With input from Reuters)
(Cover: Israeli Government Press Office shows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu heading a security cabinet meeting to vote on a Gaza ceasefire, in Jerusalem on January 17, 2025. /CFP)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
