Israel, Hamas reach 4-day ceasefire, release first hostages

Officials from Qatar which acts as a medium for secret negotiations Like the United States, Israel and Hamas, they have said for days that a deal is imminent.

Hamas is believed to be holding more than 200 hostages, captured when the fighters attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people, according to Israeli data.

A statement from the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said 50 women and children would be released within four days. During this time there will be a temporary pause in the battle. For every 10 hostages released The pause will be extended for another day. It did not mention the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange.

“The Israeli government is committed to returning all hostages home. Tonight, the government approved the proposed settlement as a first step in achieving this goal,” the statement said. This was released after several hours of deliberation and has just been revealed to the media.

Hamas said 50 hostages would be released in exchange for 150 Palestinian women and children held in Israeli prisons. The truce agreement will also allow hundreds of trucks providing humanitarian aid, medical and fuel to enter Gaza. The Palestinian group said in a statement.

Israel has pledged not to attack or arrest anyone in any area of ​​the Gaza Strip during the ceasefire.