Israeli Cabinet Approves Gaza Ceasefire to Secure Hostage Release
In a pivotal move towards de-escalation, the Israeli government officially approved a ceasefire agreement on Saturday aimed at securing the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. The decision came after an extensive meeting involving all cabinet members, as announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office.
The agreement, which passed with a majority vote of 24 ministers in favor and eight against, is set to take effect on Sunday. \"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 the Prime Minister's office, signaling a significant step towards addressing the prolonged conflict.
Despite the pending ceasefire, tensions remain high. Medics in Gaza reported that an Israeli airstrike early on Saturday resulted in the deaths of three people in a tent located 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 to 119 since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk conveyed optimism about the agreement's implementation. 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 further detailed that three female hostages are expected to be released to Israel on Sunday afternoon through the Red Cross.
The ceasefire deal includes an initial six-week phase, focusing on hostage-for-prisoner exchanges, potentially paving the way to conclude the 15-month-old war. During this phase, thirty-three Israeli hostages, comprising women, children, and men over 50, are due 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.
The international community watches closely as this agreement unfolds, hopeful that it might lead to lasting peace and stability in the region. The successful implementation of the ceasefire could mark a turning point, offering relief to communities on both sides affected by the prolonged conflict.
(With input from Reuters)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
