Israel agrees to hostage deal with Hamas

DOHA: Israel and Hamas have reached a breakthrough deal in their ongoing conflict for a four-day humanitarian pause to allow the release of at least 50 hostages, women and children, held in Gaza, key negotiator Qatar said Wednesday.

The deal, which hinged on approval from Israel’s cabinet and follows weeks of negotiations that included the United States and Egypt, marks a breakthrough nearly seven weeks since Israel declared war on Hamas.

The agreement includes a four-day pause in Israel’s assault on Gaza, in exchange for the release of 50 hostages, women and children. A number of Palestinian women and children held in Israeli jails will also be released, Qatar said in a statement.

The start of the pause will be announced within the next 24 hours.

According to a Hamas statement, the deal will include the release of 150 Palestinian prisoners and allow the entry of hundreds of trucks carrying aid relief, medical supplies and fuel to Gaza.

While the exact names of the hostages to be released has yet to be publicized, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus said they are all Israelis, though some have dual nationalities. 

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After the deal was announced, US President Joe Biden said it “should bring home additional American hostages.”

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the hostage deal between Israel and Hamas “marks significant progress” but vowed, “we will not rest as long as Hamas continues to hold hostages in Gaza.” 

“Today’s outcome is the result of tireless diplomacy and relentless effort across the department and broader United States government,” he said in a statement, thanking Egypt and Qatar for their role in the discussions, and the Israeli government for “supporting a humanitarian pause.”

“My highest priority is the safety and security of Americans overseas, and we will continue our efforts to secure the release of every hostage and their swift reunification with their families,” Blinken said.

No details have been shared on which hostages will be released in the initial batch. An estimated 239 hostages are being held in Gaza.