JERUSALEM, Nov 22: Israel and Hamas agreed today to a temporary four-day ceasefire to allow the release of 50 hostages held by the militant group in Gaza in exchange for 150 Palestinian detainees and the entry of humanitarian aid into the besieged territory.
The deal, once implemented, will be the first major diplomatic breakthrough and pause in fighting since the war began after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7.
The announcement comes amid a strong assertion from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the “war will continue until all our goals are achieved”.
Following a marathon six-hour meeting in Tel Aviv that ended in the early hours of this morning, the Israeli Cabinet approved a deal mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States by a 35-3 vote with Ministers from the extreme right-wing Otzma Yehudit party of National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir voting against.
The Cabinet meeting was preceded by the meetings of the War Cabinet and the Security Cabinet.
A PMO statement said that 50 women and children held hostage in Gaza will be released over four days during which there will be a pause in fighting.
For every additional 10 hostages released, the pause would be extended by another day, it said, without mentioning the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange.
“The Israeli Government is committed to the return of all abductees home”, a statement on behalf of the Government said.
“Tonight, the Government approved the outline for the first stage of achieving this goal, according to which at least 50 abductees – women and children – will be released for four days, during which there will be a lull in the fighting. The release of every 10 additional abductees will result in an additional day of respite,” it added. (PTI)
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