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 on Saturday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that the cabinet had reached a decision to move forward with the deal.
In the vote, 24 ministers supported the agreement while eight opposed it, reflecting the government’s commitment to resolving the ongoing crisis. “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 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 brings the total number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday to 119.
The ceasefire is set to begin on Sunday morning, according to Brett McGurk, the lead U.S. negotiator. 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.” He confirmed that three female hostages are expected to be released to Israel on Sunday afternoon through the Red Cross.
The agreement outlines an initial six-week phase that includes hostage-for-prisoner exchanges and could pave the way toward ending the 15-month-old conflict. In this phase, thirty-three Israeli hostages, including women, children, and men over 50, are slated 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.
This ceasefire deal marks a significant development in the efforts to bring peace to the region. However, the continuation of military actions underscores the fragility of the situation and the challenges that lie ahead in fully resolving the longstanding conflict.
(With input from Reuters)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
