Hamas to Release Hostages in Exchange for ‘Pause’ in Fighting

AP Photo/Kin Cheung

Israeli cabinet members approved a deal brokered by the U.S. and Qatar to free at least 50 hostages seized from southern Israel by Hamas on Oct. 7th.

Hamas will release hostages over a few days starting on Nov. 23 in return for a four to five day “pause” in fighting, as well as the release of Palestinian prisoners in Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gathered his war cabinet on Tuesday evening in Israel to hammer out the final details of the Qatar-mediated deal and secure the release of some of the 240 hostages believed to be held by Hamas.

Reports ahead of the announcement had cited sources familiar with the negotiations saying that the deal would likely consist of Hamas releasing 50 women and children in exchange for Israel releasing 150 Palestinian prisoners during a four-day ceasefire.

An Israeli official told the Times of Israel “that Netanyahu has insisted on certain elements being part of the deal, including the ongoing release of hostages even after the 4-5 day pause, a commitment by Hamas to identify and locate hostages being held by other terror groups in the Strip, and the refusal to release Palestinian prisoners who have been convicted of murder.” Israel released Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in 2011 while serving life sentences in connection with the murder of two Israeli soldiers and four Palestinians.

Both Netanyahu and President Joe Biden publicly expressed optimism that a deal was coming together and Reuters reported Tuesday that “in a sign it was expecting hostages to return soon, Netanyahu’s office said it was convening the directors-general of all the relevant government ministries to prepare for treatment and aid, in light of the latest developments.”

This is a developing story.