In a significant development toward peace, 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 an extensive cabinet meeting, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announcing the outcome late Saturday evening.
The cabinet vote saw 24 ministers in favor of the deal and eight opposing it, reflecting both hope and contention within the Israeli leadership. \"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 an official communiqué from Netanyahu's office.
Despite the impending ceasefire, tensions remained high. Early Saturday, medics in Gaza reported that an Israeli air strike killed three people in a tent in the Mawasi area west of Khan Younis, bringing the death toll to 119 Palestinians since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk conveyed optimism about the ceasefire's implementation. 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.\" The ceasefire is expected to commence on Sunday morning, with three female hostages scheduled for release to Israel on Sunday afternoon through the Red Cross.
The agreement outlines an initial six-week phase that includes hostage-for-prisoner exchanges, potentially paving the way to end the 15-month-old war. In this phase, thirty-three Israeli hostages—including women, children, and men over 50—are due to be freed. In reciprocity, Israel will release all Palestinian women and children under 19 detained in Israeli jails by the end of this initial stage.
The ceasefire deal has garnered international attention, with stakeholders and observers hopeful for a lasting resolution. However, recent violence underscores the fragility of peace in the region and the challenges that lie ahead.
(With input from Reuters)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
