Today’s news / Israel agrees on Gaza hostage release
Picture from Wednesday where supporters and relatives of hostages in Gaza had gathered outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's home in Jerusalem, Israel. Part of the ceasefire agreement will be that the Hamas movement must release hostages, while Israel must release Palestinian prisoners. Photo: John Wessels/Ritzau Scanpix

Israel agrees on Gaza hostage release

Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office announced that an agreement for the release of hostages in Gaza has been reached, as reported by AFP. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been informed of the deal and has summoned the Security Cabinet to vote on the agreement. The exact timing of the vote is unclear, with conflicting reports from various media and unnamed Israeli sources. Official approval awaits the green light from a vote. The deal, which includes a ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages, and Palestinian prisoners, aims to end a 15-month conflict. The three-phase deal begins with a six-week period starting with the Israeli forces’ gradual withdrawal from Gaza and the release of hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. Relatives of the 98 total hostages have been notified of the progress, and Israeli authorities have been asked to prepare for the reception of the released hostages.