Israel and Hamas have agreed to a four-day truce, contingent on the release of hostages taken by Hamas on October 7. The agreement, announced after a cabinet meeting led by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, involves the release of at least 50 Israeli and foreign hostages, including women and children, in exchange for a four-day ceasefire.
The truce can be extended with the release of additional hostages, with every 10 hostages leading to an extra day of ceasefire. The terms of the agreement also include the release of 150 Palestinians from Israeli jails.
The truce aims to provide a temporary respite for Gaza residents after nearly seven weeks of intense conflict. Despite reservations within Netanyahu’s coalition, the Israeli cabinet’s approval was a crucial step.
Ongoing military operations include reported Israeli strikes on Hamas targets and casualties in Gaza. International voices, including the BRICS group, have called for an immediate and sustained humanitarian truce in Gaza.
