The Israeli cabinet has given the green light to a ceasefire agreement with Gaza, aiming to secure the release of hostages held within the enclave. Following an extended meeting on Saturday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed the government's approval of the deal, which is set to come into effect on Sunday.
Israeli media reported that of the 32 ministers present, 24 voted in favor of the agreement 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.
The ceasefire agreement ushers in an initial six-week phase that includes hostage-for-prisoner exchanges and could potentially pave the way to ending the 15-month-old conflict. 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 prisons by the end of the first phase.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk expressed confidence in the agreement's implementation. 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 ceasefire is expected to begin on Sunday morning, with three female hostages set to be released to Israel on Sunday afternoon through the Red Cross.
Despite the forthcoming 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 part of the enclave. This incident brings the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday to 119.
The ceasefire agreement has been met with cautious optimism by the international community, as it could open avenues for lasting peace in the region. The exchange of hostages and prisoners is viewed as a critical confidence-building measure between the parties.
(With input from Reuters)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
