The Israeli government has officially approved a ceasefire agreement aimed at securing the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. After a lengthy meeting on Saturday involving all cabinet members, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced the decision, marking a significant step towards potentially ending the 15-month-old conflict.
According to Israeli media, the agreement saw robust debate within the cabinet, with 24 ministers voting in favor and eight opposing the deal. “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.
Despite the forthcoming ceasefire, tensions remain high. 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 to 119 since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk confirmed that the ceasefire is set to commence on Sunday morning. “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. He also noted that three female hostages are expected to be released to Israel on Sunday afternoon through the Red Cross.
Under the terms of the deal, the initial phase of the ceasefire will last six weeks and includes a series of hostage-for-prisoner exchanges. Thirty-three Israeli hostages, including women, children, and men over 50, are slated to be freed during this phase. In return, Israel will release all Palestinian women and children under 19 detained in Israeli jails by the end of the first phase.
The ceasefire agreement has raised hopes for a de-escalation of hostilities and a possible pathway to ending the prolonged war. Observers worldwide are closely monitoring the situation, anticipating the impact this agreement may have on the region’s stability.
(With input from Reuters)
(Cover: Israeli Government Press Office shows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu heading a security cabinet meeting to vote on a Gaza ceasefire, in Jerusalem on January 17, 2025. /CFP)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
