The Israeli government officially approved a ceasefire agreement on Saturday, aiming to secure the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. The decision came after a lengthy meeting involving all cabinet members, as announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.
According to Israeli media, the deal received significant support within the government, with 24 ministers voting in favor and eight opposing 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,” stated the official communiqué from Netanyahu’s office.
However, tensions remained high as medics in Gaza reported that an Israeli airstrike early on Saturday resulted in the deaths of three people in a tent in the Mawasi area west of Khan Younis in the southern part of the enclave. This incident brought the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes to 119 since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday.
Brett McGurk, the lead U.S. negotiator, expressed optimism about the ceasefire’s commencement. 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 and could potentially pave the way to 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 reciprocation, Israel will release all Palestinian women and children under 19 detained in Israeli jails by the end of the first phase.
(With input from Reuters)
Cover image: Israeli Government Press Office shows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (6-L) heading a security cabinet meeting to vote on a Gaza ceasefire, in Jerusalem on January 17, 2025. /CFP
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
