The Israeli government officially approved a ceasefire agreement on Saturday, aiming to secure the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. After a lengthy meeting with all cabinet members, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced the decision, marking a significant step towards ending the ongoing conflict.
According to Israeli media, 24 ministers voted in favor of the deal, while eight opposed it. “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 announcement of the ceasefire pact on Wednesday, Israeli air strikes have continued, with medics in Gaza reporting that an air strike early on Saturday killed three people in a tent in the Mawasi area west of Khan Younis in the southern part of the enclave. This brings the total number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes since the pact was announced to 119.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk expressed confidence in the implementation of the ceasefire. Speaking to CNN from the White House, McGurk said, “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 the White House expects the ceasefire to start on Sunday morning, with three female hostages to be released to Israel on Sunday afternoon through the Red Cross.
Under the terms of the deal, the ceasefire begins with an initial six-week phase that includes hostage-for-prisoner exchanges. This phase could pave the way towards ending the 15-month-old war between Israel and Gaza.
In this initial phase, thirty-three Israeli hostages, including women, children, and men over 50, are due to be freed. In return, Israel will release all Palestinian women and children under 19 detained in Israeli jails by the end of the first phase.
(With input from Reuters)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
