In a major development, a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas will last five days, and 40 children and 13 female hostages will be released from Hamas captivity, the Jerusalem Post reported, citing its sources, on Tuesday.
According to the report, the Israeli cabinet led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will convene a meeting at around 8 pm on Tuesday. The main agenda of the meeting will be to weigh the release of up to 80 out of over 239 people seized by terrorists during Hamas’ infiltration of southern Israel on October 7.
The deal could include an initial release of 50 hostages, expected to be women and children, within the first four days in exchange for a pause in the fighting, a senior Israeli source told reporters on Tuesday evening.
Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the Hamas politburo, has announced that a potential agreement for a "truce" is on the horizon, according to a statement reported by The Times of Israel.
The recent surge in hostilities saw militants crossing the border from Gaza on October 7, resulting in the reported deaths of over 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of 240 individuals by the attackers, as stated by Israeli authorities. While four hostages have been released, one was freed by Israeli troops. In response, Israel launched a military campaign, leading to the deaths of more than 12,000 Palestinians, as reported by the Gaza Health Ministry. The situation remains tense as both sides navigate the complexities of a potential truce amid ongoing conflicts.
