22-11-2023 (JERUSALEM) Israel’s cabinet has given its approval to a deal with Hamas that would result in the release of approximately 50 hostages and a four-day cessation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip. The agreement, mediated by Qatar, also involves the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, primarily women and minors, according to a report by Axios.
The initial phase of the deal entails Hamas releasing Israeli women and children currently held in Gaza, while Israel will release around 150 Palestinian prisoners. Axios cited the Israeli prime minister’s office as the source of this information. In the subsequent stage, Hamas would release additional women, children, and elderly individuals in exchange for Israel extending the ceasefire by several days.
Axios further reported that the names of the Palestinian prisoners expected to be released will be made public within the next 24 hours. This will allow Israelis to appeal to the courts against their release. An unidentified Israeli official, who briefed reporters earlier on Tuesday, provided this information.
During the start of the Israeli cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that the war against Hamas would not relent following the implementation of the ceasefire. Netanyahu stated, “There is nonsense out there as if after the pause in fighting, we will stop the war.” He reiterated Israel’s commitment to achieving its objectives, which include eliminating Hamas, securing the release of all hostages, and ensuring that no elements in Gaza pose threats to Israel.
Qatar has played a crucial role in facilitating negotiations between Israel and Hamas. Hamas is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union (EU). Majed Al-Ansari, a spokesperson for the Qatari Foreign Ministry, described the ongoing negotiations as being in a critical stage.
