Jerusalem, January 17, 2025 – In a significant move towards easing tensions in the Middle East, the Israeli government officially approved a ceasefire agreement aimed at securing the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. The decision followed a lengthy cabinet meeting, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announcing the approval late Saturday.
The agreement saw a divided cabinet, with 24 ministers voting in favor and eight opposing the deal. \"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, medics in Gaza reported that an Israeli airstrike 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 southern region. This incident brought the total number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday to 119.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk expressed 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.\" McGurk indicated that the ceasefire is expected to start on Sunday morning, with three female hostages to be released to Israel on Sunday afternoon through the Red Cross.
The deal outlines an initial six-week phase, commencing the ceasefire and including hostage-for-prisoner exchanges. This phase could pave the way to ending the 15-month-old war that has heavily impacted both Israeli and Palestinian communities. As part of the agreement, 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.
The international community watches closely as this development unfolds, hopeful that the ceasefire will endure and lead to a lasting peace. Humanitarian organizations emphasize the importance of both sides adhering to the agreement to alleviate the suffering of civilians and rebuild trust.
The Middle East, a region of significant strategic and economic importance, stands at a crossroads. Investors and global markets may react to the stabilization efforts, while diaspora communities worldwide remain attentive to the outcomes affecting their homeland.
(With input from Reuters)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
