Israel has confirmed that it has reached a temporary
ceasefire deal with Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, in Gaza.
The truce marks a major diplomatic breakthrough nearly seven
weeks after the start of a conflict that has spiralled into a grave
humanitarian crisis in the enclave.
A statement from the Israeli government on Wednesday said at
least 50 hostages — women and children — will be released in Gaza over four
days.
Israel however hinted that the ceasefire could be extended.
“The release of every
additional ten hostages will result in one additional day in the pause,” the
statement said.
A Hamas statement said 150 Palestinian prisoners, mostly
women and children, held in Israeli jails will also be released as part of the
deal.
The truce would also allow the entry of “a larger number of
humanitarian convoys and relief aid,” the statement said, adding that the start
time of the pause in fighting would be announced within the next 24 hours.
The deal comes a day after Hamas said it was closing in on a
truce with Israel.
Hamas is holding 239 hostages in Gaza, including foreign
nationals from 26 countries, according to figures from the Israeli military.
The abductions happened on October 7, when the militants
crept into Israel in a coordinated attack, killing around 1,200 people — the
largest such attack on Israel since the country’s founding in 1948.
In response, Israel vowed to “avenge the dark day” by
annihilating the group.
Israel also imposed a blockade on Gaza, cutting off supplies
of food, water, medicines and fuel, while launching a relentless air and ground
assault.
Over 13,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to
the Hamas-run health authorities.
Speaking further on the truce deal, the Israeli government
said the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and other security services will continue
the war in order to return home all of the hostages, complete the elimination
of Hamas and ensure that there will be no new threat to the country from Gaza.
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