In a pivotal move toward de-escalation, the Israeli government officially approved a ceasefire agreement on Saturday aimed at securing the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. After a prolonged cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced the decision that could mark a turning point in the 15-month-old conflict.
The cabinet vote reflected a strong majority with 24 ministers supporting the deal and eight opposing. \"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 Netanyahu's office, signaling hope for families awaiting their loved ones' return.
The ceasefire is set to commence with an initial six-week phase involving hostage-for-prisoner exchanges. Under this agreement, 33 Israeli hostages—including women, children, and men over 50—are expected to be freed. In reciprocation, Israel will release all Palestinian women and children under 19 detained in Israeli prisons by the end of this phase.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk expressed optimism about the agreement's execution. \"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. The ceasefire is anticipated to begin on Sunday morning, with three female hostages scheduled for release to Israel through the Red Cross that afternoon.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high as medics in Gaza reported an Israeli airstrike early on Saturday that killed three people in a tent in the Mawasi area west of Khan Younis in the southern enclave. This incident raises the total number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes to 119 since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday.
The international community watches closely as this agreement unfolds, hopeful that it may lead to a sustained peace in a region long fraught with violence. The successful implementation could set a precedent for future negotiations and stability in the Middle East.
(With input from Reuters)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
