Israel and Hamas have reached a deal to release 50 women and children hostages held in Gaza in exchange for 150 Palestinian women and children prisoners, accompanied by a four-day pause in Israeli military operations. The agreement, confirmed by both sides on Wednesday, was brokered by Qatar and welcomed by the United States.
The first group of hostages is expected to be freed on Thursday morning, according to a senior US official, who confirmed that three Americans, including a three-year-old girl, are among those to be released. The deal allows for the possibility of further releases, with the ceasefire extended by one day for every additional ten hostages freed.
US President Joe Biden thanked Egypt and Qatar for their “critical leadership and partnership” in securing the deal. He said he appreciated the commitment of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to support an extended pause to ensure full implementation and the provision of additional humanitarian aid for Palestinian families in Gaza.
Hamas described the agreement as a “humanitarian truce,” stating that Israel had agreed to halt air sorties over southern Gaza for the four-day period and restrict sorties over northern Gaza to six hours daily. The militant group also said Israel would not arrest anyone in Gaza during the truce and that humanitarian deliveries would be expanded.
Netanyahu confirmed the deal to his cabinet, emphasising that the war would continue after the ceasefire to achieve all objectives, including the elimination of Hamas. The Israeli government statement said the military and security services would continue operations to return all hostages and ensure no new threat from Gaza.
The agreement also includes provisions for Red Cross visits to remaining hostages and the distribution of medicine. Qatar’s foreign ministry announced that the start time of the ceasefire would be disclosed within 24 hours, and that it would permit increased humanitarian convoys and relief aid, including fuel.
