In a significant step toward de-escalation, the Israeli government officially approved a ceasefire agreement aimed at securing the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. After a lengthy meeting on Saturday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced the decision, marking a potential turning point in the 15-month-old conflict.
The approval came after an extensive session involving all cabinet members, with 24 ministers voting in favor of the deal and eight opposing it, according to Israeli media reports.
\"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, signaling the imminent implementation of the agreement.
Despite the pending ceasefire, 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 enclave's south. This incident brings the total number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes to 119 since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk expressed confidence in the agreement's execution, stating that the White House expects the ceasefire 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 added that three female hostages are expected to be released to Israel on Sunday afternoon through the Red Cross.
The ceasefire deal outlines an initial six-week phase that includes hostage-for-prisoner exchanges and could pave the way toward ending the prolonged war. Under the agreement, thirty-three Israeli hostages—including women, children, and men over 50—are due to be freed in this phase. In reciprocation, Israel will release all Palestinian women and children under 19 detained in Israeli jails by the end of the first phase.
The international community watches closely as this development unfolds, hoping it signifies a move toward lasting peace in the region.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
