On Wednesday, Israel’s government and Hamas agreed to a four-day pause in fighting to facilitate the release of 50 hostages held in Gaza. In exchange, 150 Palestinians imprisoned in Israel will be released, and humanitarian aid will be allowed into the besieged enclave. The deal, mediated by Qatar, was confirmed by officials from the U.S., Israel, and Hamas.
The hostages, including 50 women and children, will be released over four days, with the possibility of extending the pause for every additional 10 hostages released. Israel committed not to attack or arrest anyone in all parts of Gaza during the truce. U.S. President Joe Biden welcomed the deal, emphasizing its potential to bring home additional American hostages.
The truce agreement is the first amid a conflict where Israeli bombardments have caused significant damage in Hamas-ruled Gaza, resulting in thousands of civilian casualties and displacements. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel’s broader mission remains unchanged—to destroy Hamas, return all hostages, and ensure Gaza poses no threat to Israel.
Three Americans, including a 3-year-old girl, are expected to be among the hostages released. Over 200 hostages were taken by Hamas during its October 7 attack, according to Israeli tallies. The truce deal includes the release of Palestinian women and children held in Israeli prisons and the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The release of hostages is set to begin on Thursday, with the International Committee of the Red Cross facilitating the process inside Gaza. The truce aims to halt military actions and movements, providing a temporary respite from the ongoing conflict. The hope is that this agreement will pave the way for a more extensive and permanent ceasefire.