Israel and Hamas have announced a deal allowing for a 4-day ceasefire, in exchange for the release of 50 Israeli hostages and that of 150 Palestinian prisoners.
The deal is the first major diplomatic breakthrough in the war, and comes after weeks of Qatar-brokered negotiations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet approved the deal after a near-all-night meeting, in which he told ministers this was a “difficult decision but it’s a right decision”.
The Israeli Government also promised that for every 10 hostages released, they would offer 1 day pauses in the war.
Statement by the government of Israel:
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) November 22, 2023
The Government of Israel is obligated to return home all of the hostages.
Prime Minister Netanyahu, however warned that the Israeli Military would continue the war after the 4-day pause, if more hostages are not released.
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