The Israeli government formally approved a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip and the release of some hostages, bringing the 15-month conflict to a halt soon.
Israel's cabinet voted in favor of the deal in Jerusalem early Saturday. According to To the Associated Press. The Israeli Prime Minister's Office said in a statement that the release of hostages and a ceasefire in the area will begin on Sunday.
“The Government has approved the hostage return framework. The hostage release framework is scheduled to take effect on Sunday, January 19, 2025. Shabbat Shalom,” the office said. According to On CNN.
A group of 33 ministers gave the green light to the deal after it received approval from the security cabinet on Friday. Israel's Supreme Court will wait 24 hours for any potential appeal.
The start of a ceasefire is likely to allow the release of three female Israeli civilian hostages held in Gaza on Sunday. About 90 Palestinian female prisoners and children will be exchanged in return.
The start of a ceasefire on Sunday should create a six-week period of peace between the Palestinian militant group Hamas and the Israeli military. Fighting is expected to cease while Israeli forces withdraw from populated areas in the Gaza Strip.
The first ceasefire agreement, the second since the conflict began on October 7, 2023, was signed on Wednesday.
“The fighting in Gaza has stopped and the hostages will soon be returned to their families,” President Biden said Wednesday.
He added that Americans would also be released in the first phase of the three-phase plan. Biden said the suspension of fighting should continue if negotiations to advance to the second stage exceed two weeks.
“Negotiations will continue as long as necessary,” he said.
The second stage will involve exchanges with live hostages from Gaza, including Israeli military personnel and men of military age.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
