In a significant development on November 22, the Israeli government has given its approval for a deal with Palestinian Hamas militants, paving the way for the release of 50 women and children held as hostages in Gaza. The agreement entails a four-day pause in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, according to a statement from the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as reported by Reuters.
The deal hinges on a phased approach, with an additional 20 hostages slated for release by Hamas if the initial phase unfolds as planned, as detailed in a report by CBS News. The prioritization of releasing captive children is emphasized, with approximately 40 children believed to be among the hostages in Gaza. Notably, a 3-year-old girl, the lone American child taken by Hamas, is part of the release plan, the report added.
Qatar has played a key role in mediating talks between the involved parties, including the US, Israel, and Hamas. Discussions have been ongoing for days, with the common objective of reaching a viable agreement.
The ceasefire, if implemented, will mark the first pause in a conflict that has resulted in significant devastation in Hamas-ruled Gaza. According to Gaza authorities, the war has claimed the lives of 13,300 civilians, rendering two-thirds of the 2.3 million residents homeless.
Prime Minister Netanyahu, following discussions with his war cabinet and national security cabinet on November 21, underscored the unchanged broader mission of Israel despite the potential ceasefire. He credited US President Joe Biden's intervention for enhancing the tentative agreement to include more hostage releases and fewer concessions.
"We are at war, and we will continue the war until we achieve all our goals. To destroy Hamas, return all our hostages, and ensure that no entity in Gaza can threaten Israel," Netanyahu affirmed in a recorded message at the commencement of the government meeting.
Before the finalization of the deal, a US official familiar with the discussions revealed that 150 Palestinian prisoners would be exchanged. Additionally, the temporary cessation of hostilities is expected to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The intricacies of the agreement and the potential impact on the long-standing conflict between Israel and Hamas highlight the delicate diplomatic efforts underway to address the humanitarian crisis and bring about a temporary respite in the hostilities.
