JERUSALEM (NEWSnet/AP) — Israel and Hamas agreed to a four-day cease-fire — a breakthrough that has raised hopes of eventually winding down the war that started Oct. 7.
The intention is to facilitate the release of dozens of hostages held by militants as well as Palestinians imprisoned by Israel — and bring a large influx of aid to the besieged territory — officials said when making the announcement Wednesday.
[Earlier Report: Israeli Cabinet Approves Cease-Fire With Hamas, Involves Release of 50 Hostages]
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The Persian Gulf nation of Qatar announced the deal, and Egypt's state-run Qahera TV channel said the truce would take effect at 10 a.m. local time (0800 GMT) Thursday. Both countries, along with the United States, helped mediate the deal between Israel and Hamas.
Fifty hostages will be freed in stages, in exchange for the release of what Hamas said would be 150 Palestinian prisoners. Both sides will let go women and children first.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would resume the war after the truce and keep fighting “until we achieve all our goals,” including the destruction of Hamas' fighting and governing abilities and the return of all hostages.
The announcement capped weeks of indirect, stop-and-go negotiations to free some of the roughly 240 hostages taken by Hamas and other militants during their Oct. 7 raid. Hamas, which seized power in Gaza from rival Palestinian forces in 2007, is considered a terrorist group by Israel and the West.
U.S. President Joe Biden welcomed the deal, saying Netanyahu committed to supporting an “extended pause.”
Several nations, including Britain, France, China and Russia, also welcomed the agreement.
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