Israel and Hamas have reached a deal for the release of 50 women and children hostages held in Gaza in exchange for 150 Palestinian women and children prisoners and a four-day ceasefire, both sides confirmed on Wednesday. The agreement, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, marks the first significant pause in fighting since the conflict began on 7 October.
A senior US official said the freed hostages would include three Americans, one a three-year-old girl, with the first releases expected on Thursday morning. The official added that the deal is structured to incentivise further releases beyond the initial 50, and that the total number could rise.
Under the terms, Israel will halt military operations for four days, with the lull extendable by one day for every additional ten hostages freed. Hamas said Israel agreed to stop air sorties over southern Gaza entirely and restrict them to six hours daily in the north, and not to arrest anyone in Gaza during the truce. Expanded humanitarian aid deliveries, including fuel, were also part of the agreement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his cabinet that the security agencies supported the deal, but stressed that the war would resume after the ceasefire to achieve all objectives, including eliminating Hamas and returning all hostages. The Israeli government statement said it is committed to bringing all abductees home.
US President Joe Biden welcomed the deal, thanking Qatar and Egypt for their leadership, and said he would not stop until all American hostages are released. The deal comes after weeks of negotiations and amid a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
