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 meeting of all cabinet members. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced that the framework for the hostages' release will come into effect on Sunday.
In a pivotal decision, 24 ministers voted in favor of the deal, while eight opposed it, according to Israeli media reports. \"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.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk indicated that the ceasefire is expected to start on Sunday morning, with three female hostages to be released to Israel on Sunday afternoon through 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 from the White House.
Under the terms of the deal, the ceasefire commences with an initial six-week phase, including hostage-for-prisoner exchanges, which 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 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.
Despite the announcement of the ceasefire pact on Wednesday, hostilities have continued. Medics in Gaza reported that an Israeli air strike 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 announcement to 119.
The international community is watching closely as this ceasefire could mark a significant step towards resolving prolonged tensions in the region. The successful implementation of the agreement could open dialogues for lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.
