Israel and Hamas have officially announced a comprehensive deal. The agreement outlines the release of 50 hostages, including three Americans, held in Gaza, in exchange for the freedom of 150 Palestinian women and children from Israeli jails. The four-day ceasefire is set to commence shortly, with the first hostage release expected on Thursday.
The confirmation came from a senior US official, who emphasized the deal’s structure designed to incentivize additional releases beyond the initial 50. US President Joe Biden expressed appreciation for the critical leadership of Egypt and Qatar in facilitating the agreement. He also thanked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for supporting an extended pause, ensuring the deal’s full implementation and providing humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of innocent Palestinian families in Gaza.
Egypt’s state-run Qahera TV reports that the truce will begin at 10 a.m. local time on Thursday, as part of the mediated agreement. The deal also facilitates the release of hostages captured during Hamas’ October 7 attack and includes the entry of additional humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Hamas confirmed the deal, characterizing it as a “humanitarian truce.” Apart from the hostage releases, the agreement includes expanded humanitarian deliveries and restrictions on Israeli air sorties over southern Gaza during the four-day pause. Additionally, Israel has committed not to arrest anyone in Gaza throughout the temporary truce.
Israel’s Prime Minister’s office stated that the “lull” in military operations would be extended for an additional day for every 10 hostages released. The government affirmed its commitment to continue the war until all hostages are returned, Hamas is eliminated, and there is no new threat to the State of Israel from Gaza.
The confirmation of the agreement followed an extended meeting of the full 38-member Israeli cabinet, which concluded around 3 a.m. in Tel Aviv. Netanyahu reassured the cabinet that the security agencies supported the deal, emphasizing that it would not signal the end of the military campaign against Hamas.
As the government deliberated, airstrikes continued in Gaza, and Hamas fired rockets into Israel. The deal is expected to bring relief to a region that has endured seven weeks of relentless bombardment and blockade.
The agreement, reached after weeks of talks mediated by Qatar, comes more than six weeks after the conflict began on October 7, triggered by Hamas’ attacks from Gaza into southern Israel. The toll has been severe, with at least 1,200 people killed in Israel and more than 14,000 in Gaza, according to government sources. The agreement, if implemented, would leave approximately 190 hostages in Gaza, with efforts ongoing to secure their release.
In a significant development, Israel and Hamas have confirmed a four-day cease-fire set to commence Thursday morning, mediated by Egypt. The agreement includes the release of at least 50 hostages by Hamas, with Israel reciprocating by freeing Palestinian prisoners. The truce aims to temporarily halt the devastating seven-week war. The Israeli government, despite approving the deal, emphasizes that the war may continue. The announcement comes amid escalating casualties, with more than 11,000 people killed in Gaza, according to health authorities.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
