Israel-Hamas agree to ceasefire and hostage release deal
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the achievement of an agreement with Hamas regarding a ceasefire and the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip. The decision awaits approval by the Israeli cabinet.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Friday that an agreement has been reached with the Palestinian Hamas on the release of hostages and a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. This agreement is to be approved by the Israeli cabinet on the same day.
Representatives from Israel, Hamas, the USA, and Qatar signed the agreement in the Qatari capital, Doha. The families of the hostages are being updated about the progress. Qatar's Foreign Minister, Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, stated that the agreement will be implemented on Sunday, provided the Israeli cabinet approves it.
Netanyahu emphasised that the final details of the agreement are still being negotiated. On Thursday, he postponed a cabinet meeting, accusing Hamas of attempting to "force last-minute concessions." Hamas declared compliance with the agreement, although it tried to add some of its members to the list of released Palestinian prisoners.
The agreement stipulates that within six weeks of the first phase, Israeli troops will gradually leave the Gaza Strip. During this time, Hamas will release progressively hostages. Israel also announced the release of hundreds of Palestinians.
Despite the negotiated ceasefire agreement, on Thursday, Israeli air forces attacked targets in the Gaza Strip, killing at least 86 people.
Escalation of the conflict
The Hamas attack on Israel began on 7 October 2023, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, with 251 abducted. Israel's retaliation resulted in the death of over 46,000 people, mostly civilians.
Hamas released some prisoners. According to official information, they are holding 94 people, although according to Israel, 34 of them are deceased.
