Israel and Hamas agreed to a deal early Wednesday that would pause fighting to secure the release of hostages and allow for additional humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The deal, which would pause fighting for at least four days and include the release of 50 women and children captured by Hamas and 150 Palestinian women and children imprisoned in Israel, marks a major diplomatic step after six weeks of fighting since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack and the subsequent bombardment of Gaza.
It is the product of lengthy negotiations between Israel, Hamas, the U.S. and Qatar.
The starting time for the pause is expected to be announced in the next 24 hours.
The official noted that more women and children are believed to be held hostage beyond the initial group included in the deal.
Persons:
Benjamin Netanyahu’s, “, ”, Joe Biden
Organizations:
Hamas, United States Government
Locations:
Israel, Gaza, U.S, Qatar