Israeli cabinet approves Gaza ceasefire deal, due to take effect Sunday

The Israeli government officially approved a ceasefire agreement on Saturday aimed at securing the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip, following a lengthy meeting of all cabinet members, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced.

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 said.

Medics in Gaza said an Israeli air strike early on Saturday killed three people in a tent in the Mawasi area west of Khan Younis in the enclave's south.

This brought to 119 the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday.

Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk said the White House expected the ceasefire to start on Sunday morning, with three female hostages to be released to Israel on Sunday afternoon through the Red Cross.

"We have locked down every single detail in this agreement. We are quite confident... it is ready to be implemented on Sunday," McGurk told CNN from the White House.

Under the deal, the ceasefire starts with an initial six-week phase including hostage-for-prisoner exchanges and could open the way to ending the 15-month-old war.

Thirty-three Israeli hostages, including women, children and men over 50, were due to be freed in this phase. 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)

(Cover: Israeli Government Press Office shows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (6-L) heading a security cabinet meeting to vote on a Gaza ceasefire, in Jerusalem on January 17, 2025. /CFP)