Agreement negotiated. Israel sets hostage release date
Israel anticipates that the first hostages under the newly negotiated agreement with Hamas will be released this coming Thursday, according to Eli Cohen, the head of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, he did not confirm the report suggesting an exchange expected to commence at 5.a.m. (11 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday).
9:43 AM EST, November 22, 2023
The Israeli government and Hamas have struck a deal for the release of approximately 50 hostages held captive by the Gaza Strip-based terrorist organization.
In exchange for the return of hostages kidnapped on October 7, Israel proposes a temporary cease-fire of several days and the release of up to 150 Palestinian prisoners.
The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement shortly after 5.a.m. on Wednesday (11 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday). They stated that the agreement between Hamas and Israel mandates that "the cease-fire start time will be announced within the next 24 hours and will last for four days, with a potential extension,"
Furthermore, the statement detailed that "the agreement entails the release of 50 captive women and children held in the Gaza Strip, exchanged for the release of a number of Palestinian women and children held in Israeli prisons." It explained that the number of those released would increment in the later stages of the agreement's implementation.
Media outlet Al Jazeera has reported that the agreement could potentially be extended an additional day, contingent upon the release of another ten hostages currently held by Hamas.
Hamas fighters have stated their intent to honor the terms of this agreement. The announced temporary cease-fire agreed upon by both parties will last for four days. However, the statement did not stipulate any options for extension.
What does the agreement entail?
- Israel will halt all military operations in the Gaza Strip, including any movement of military vehicles.
- Trucks carrying humanitarian aid, inclusive of medical supplies and fuel, will gain access into Gaza.
- Drones operating in the southern part of Gaza will discontinue for four days. They will cease to operate for six hours a day in the north.
- During this period, Israel "commits to refrain from any attacks or arrests in all areas of the Gaza Strip".
- Unrestricted movement will be guaranteed along Salah ud-Din Street.
- In exchange for the release of 150 Palestinian women and children detained by Israel, Hamas will release 50 captive women and children.
