Israel and Hamas War: In a significant development, Israel has given its approval for a four-day ceasefire deal with Hamas, marking the first pause in the ongoing conflict that commenced on October 7. The Israeli government, in a war cabinet vote, agreed to the ceasefire, which involves the release of 50 hostages, predominantly women and children, held by Hamas. Despite this temporary halt, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that the war would persist until Hamas is eradicated, and all hostages are freed.

The mediation for the agreement was conducted by officials from Qatar, with the involvement of US President Joe Biden in facilitating the deal. Netanyahu clarified that the agreement was a challenging but necessary decision. The ceasefire will allow humanitarian aid to access Gaza during the four-day period.

About the Israel-Hamas ceasefire:

1. Temporary Halt and Humanitarian Aid: This marks the first cessation of the ongoing conflict, enabling the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
2. Hostage Release: As part of the four-day ceasefire, Hamas will release 50 women and children hostages. The exact commencement time of the truce was not specified, but the release of hostages could begin on Thursday.
3. Extension of Ceasefire: Israel announced its willingness to extend the ceasefire by an additional day for every 10 hostages released by Hamas.
4. Number of Hostages: Approximately 240 individuals were taken hostage by Hamas during their attack on Israel on October 7. These hostages included attendees of a music festival targeted by Hamas, with over half holding foreign and dual citizenship from around 40 countries.
5. Hamas Statement: Hamas confirmed the agreement, expressing its welcome for the humanitarian truce. The statement mentioned the release of 150 Palestinians from Israeli jails as part of the deal.

Notably, resistance within Netanyahu’s war cabinet was present, with some members concerned about potential concessions to Hamas. The hostages held by Hamas include citizens from various countries, and this development follows the earlier release of four captives, including US citizens and Israeli women. Additionally, Israeli forces freed one hostage during a ground invasion, while the bodies of two hostages were recovered in Gaza City.