Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Friday that a deal has been reached to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas since the deadly October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Netanyahu’s office confirmed that the political-security cabinet has been ordered to convene later in the day to discuss and approve the agreement.
In a statement, Netanyahu’s office revealed, “The Prime Minister was informed by the negotiating team that agreements have been reached on a deal to release the hostages.” Families of the hostages have been notified, and preparations are underway to receive them upon their return.
Accusations of Reneging
On Thursday, Netanyahu’s office accused Hamas of backtracking on critical aspects of the agreement in an attempt to secure last-minute concessions. However, Hamas denied the allegations, maintaining that they adhered to the terms negotiated by mediators.
Details of the Agreement
If approved by the cabinet, the truce is expected to begin on Sunday. The arrangement includes the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners and lays the groundwork for discussions on a permanent ceasefire to end the ongoing conflict. The agreement was brokered by mediators from Qatar and the United States and announced earlier this week.
This deal marks a significant step in the efforts to end the prolonged conflict between Israel and Hamas, with families eagerly awaiting the safe return of their loved ones.
