In a significant move towards easing tensions, the Israeli government officially approved a ceasefire agreement on Saturday aimed at securing the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. After a prolonged meeting involving all cabinet members, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced the decision, marking a potential turning point in the 15-month-old conflict.
According to official statements, 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, highlighting the urgency of implementing the agreement.
Despite the ceasefire announcement earlier in the week, 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 part of the enclave. This incident brings the total number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes to 119 since the pact was announced on Wednesday.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk expressed optimism about the agreement's implementation. Speaking to CNN from the White House, McGurk said, \"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 commence on Sunday morning, with three female hostages to be released to Israel in the afternoon through the Red Cross.
Under the terms of the deal, the ceasefire begins with an initial six-week phase that includes hostage-for-prisoner exchanges and could open the way to ending the prolonged war. Thirty-three Israeli hostages, including women, children, and men over 50, are slated to be freed during this period. In reciprocation, Israel will release all Palestinian women and children under 19 detained in Israeli jails by the end of the first phase.
The ongoing conflict has had devastating impacts on both sides, and the approval of the ceasefire raises hopes for a lasting peace. The international community watches closely as steps towards de-escalation and humanitarian efforts unfold in the region.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
