Israeli Government Approves Hostage Release And Truce Deal With Hamas

• 22.11.2023, 11:41

Four-day ceasefire announced.

Israel's cabinet on Tuesday approved a Qatar-brokered deal with Hamas to release at least 50 hostages held by the terrorists in the Gaza Strip, after more than five hours of negotiations. In return, Israel agreed to a four-day pause in its operations in the enclave.

Jerusalem also gave permission for more fuel and humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. Israel will allow some 300 trucks of humanitarian aid to pass through from Egypt every day. This was reported by the The Times of Israel and Axios.

Israel will also release about 150 Palestinian prisoners, mostly women and minors, in exchange for the return of hostages.

It is understood that the names of the Palestinian prisoners to be released will be made public within the next 24 hours, so that Israeli citizens can challenge their release in court. Israel will not release Palestinian prisoners who have been convicted of killing Israelis.

"In a second phase, Hamas may release dozens more women, children and elderly in exchange for Israel extending the ceasefire for a few more days," it said. The Israeli Prime Minister's Office noted that the release by Hamas of each of the next ten hostages would result in an additional day of lull in the fighting.

"The Government of Israel, the Israel Defense Forces and the security forces will continue the war in order to return all the abductees, to complete the liquidation of Hamas and to ensure that Gaza no longer poses a threat to the State of Israel," it added.

It should be noted that this official statement does not refer to any concessions such as the release of Palestinian prisoners or the delivery of additional fuel and humanitarian aid to Gaza.