The Israeli government has officially approved a ceasefire agreement aimed at securing the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. Following a lengthy meeting of all cabinet members on Saturday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced the decision.
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.
However, tensions remain high as 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 brought the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday to 119.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk expressed optimism about the ceasefire’s implementation. Speaking from the White House, he told CNN, “We have locked down every single detail in this agreement. We are quite confident… it is ready to be implemented on Sunday.” McGurk added that the White House expects the ceasefire to start on Sunday morning, with three female hostages to be released to Israel on Sunday 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. This move could pave the way toward ending the 15-month-old war between Israel and Gaza. In 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.
The approval of the ceasefire agreement marks a significant development in the longstanding conflict, offering a glimmer of hope for peace in the region. The international community watches closely as both sides prepare to implement the agreement and take steps toward ending the hostilities.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
