The Israeli cabinet on Wednesday morning approved an agreement securing the release of about 50 hostages in exchange for a four-day truce in fighting in Gaza and the release of dozens of Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons.
Hamas is reportedly holding more than 200 hostages, taken when its fighters attacked Israel on 7 October, killing over 1,200 people.
Breaking news: Israel agrees to a 4-day pause in fighting in exchange for the release of at least 50 hostages, the Israeli government says. The agreement comes as Israeli strikes have devastated Gaza, leaving thousands dead and many more displaced. https://t.co/J42gjqpDeq
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) November 22, 2023
Israel’s Agrees to Hostage Deal
The Israeli PM’s office released a statement confirming the news. “The Government of Israel is obligated to return home all of the hostages. Tonight, the Government has approved the outline of the first stage of achieving this goal.”
According to the statement, “at least 50 hostages – women and children – will be released over four days, during which a pause in the fighting will be held.”
The statement noted that the pause would be extended by one day for every ten additional hostages released, but it made no mention of the release of Palestinian prisoners in return.
However, Israel emphasised that the pause was just temporary and that the fight would continue until Hamas was completely eliminated and no new threat emerged from Gaza.
“The Government of Israel, the IDF and the security services will continue the war in order to return home all of the hostages, complete the elimination of Hamas and ensure that there will be no new threat to the State of Israel from Gaza,” the statement said.
Israel will let around 300 aid trucks enter Gaza from Egypt every day. According to an Israeli official, additional fuel will be allowed during the pause in hostilities.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this evening, at the start of the Government meeting:
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) November 21, 2023
While this meeting is to discuss the return of our hostages, I would like to start with something that should be self-evident: We are at war – and will continue the war. pic.twitter.com/YaICV89yEU
PM Netanyahu’s Remarks
PM Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated the Israeli government’s decision, saying, “The first goal is eliminating Hamas; we are not stopping until this is carried out. The second goal is the return of the hostages.”
“We want to restore security. We will work for, and achieve, the restoration of security in both the south and the north,” Netanyahu said in a statement.
The Israeli PM thanked the soldiers and the commanders for their consistent support. “The main tool that we have is the spirit of the people of Israel, which is expressed by the soldiers and commanders from all parts of Israeli society, and is simply very powerful. I want to salute you and tell you that we are continuing to victory,” Netanyahu stated.
Hamas Welcomes ‘Humanitarian Truce’
Hamas announced that it welcomes Israel’s approval of a “humanitarian truce.” As per the statement, Hamas said, “the provisions of this agreement were formulated according to the vision of the resistance and its determinants that aim to serve our people and enhance their steadfastness in the face of aggression.”
According to Hamas, the agreement would result in increased fuel and aid into Gaza and also the release of 50 Israeli women and children in exchange for a four-day truce – the only aspect of the deal that Israel has confirmed.
Hamas said, as part of the agreement, Israel would stop flying drones over southern Gaza and only fly them in the north for six hours a day, between 10 am and 4 pm.
While the militant group agreed to a truce, it warned that “our fingers will remain on the trigger, and our victorious fighters will remain on the lookout to defend our people and repel the occupation.”
The State of Qatar announces that a humanitarian pause has been agreed in Gaza
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) November 22, 2023
Doha - 22 November 2023
The State of Qatar announces the success of its joint mediation efforts undertaken with the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States of America between Israel and the…
Qatar-mediated Hostage Deal
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, in a statement, announced the success of its joint mediation efforts with Egypt and the US between Israel and Hamas, which resulted in an agreement for a humanitarian pause.
“The starting time of the pause will be announced within the next 24 hours and last for four days, subject to extension,” the statement read.
Per the statement, “the humanitarian pause will also allow the entry of a larger number of humanitarian convoys and relief aid, including fuel designated for humanitarian needs.”
As President, I have no higher priority than ensuring the safety of Americans held hostage around the world.⁰
— President Biden (@POTUS) November 22, 2023
And I will not stop until they are all released.
US Biden Welcomes Hostage Deal
US President Joe Biden welcomes the hostage deal between Israel and Hamas. “I am extraordinarily gratified that some of these brave souls, who have endured weeks of captivity and an unspeakable ordeal, will be reunited with their families once this deal is fully implemented,” Biden remarked.
Biden thanked Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El Sisi for their role and partnership in reaching this deal.
Furthermore, Biden emphasised his commitment towards protecting Americans. “As President, I have no higher priority than ensuring the safety of Americans held hostage around the world,” he said, adding that “today’s deal should bring home additional American hostages, and I will not stop until they are all released,” he added.