In a significant development in the Middle East, the Israeli government and Hamas, the Palestinian group, have agreed to a prisoner exchange deal. This agreement comes as a pivotal step towards de-escalation in the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Israeli Cabinet approved the deal after almost six hours of debate, agreeing to release 50 hostages, including children and women held by Hamas in Gaza, in exchange for a four-day ceasefire. The ceasefire period would extend by an extra day for every 10 additional hostages released by Hamas. The first group of captives is expected to be released on Thursday. The Israeli government has stated that this is only the first phase of the plan, aiming to bring back all Israeli hostages and continue the war until all objectives, including the elimination of Hamas, are achieved. The specific number of Palestinian prisoners to be released was not indicated by the Israeli Broadcasting Authority, but Hebrew Channel 12 reported that 150 Palestinian prisoners would be released, and 300 trucks of humanitarian supplies, including fuel, would be allowed into Gaza daily.
Hamas, in its announcement, described the agreement as the result of 'difficult and complex negotiations' facilitated by Qatari and Egyptian efforts. The ceasefire will include a cessation of all military actions by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip and a stop to the movement of military vehicles penetrating into Gaza. The agreement also allows for the entry of hundreds of trucks carrying humanitarian aid into Gaza. It includes the release of 50 Israeli women and children under the age of 19 in exchange for 150 Palestinian women and children from Israeli prisons, also under the age of 19. The ceasefire terms include stopping air traffic in parts of the Gaza Strip and ensuring freedom of movement for people within the region. Hamas has emphasized its commitment to the Palestinian people's aspirations for liberation and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. Israel estimates that at least 239 Israelis are being held by Hamas following a cross-border attack on October 7.