ISRAEL has agreed to a temporary ceasefire after six weeks of violent conflict with Hamas on condition that 50 hostages who were abducted by the Islamist group and taken to Gaza be released.
The decision was reached by the Israeli cabinet that was formed following the invasion by Hamas in Israel on October 7.
“The government approved the broad outlines of the first stage of an agreement under which at least 50 kidnapped people – women and children – will be released over four days during which there will be a lull in the fighting,” read a statement from the Israeli government.
The Hindustan Times reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to resume the offensive against Hamas as soon as the truce ends.
“We are at war, and we will continue the war,” he was quoted as saying. “We will continue until we achieve all our goals.”
It is understood that Israel will extend the ceasefire by one day for every 10 hostages released.
Hamas is believed to have taken more than 200 hostages from Isarel on October 7 when its militants killed 1,200 people after penetrating the country’s borders.
Israel has retaliated with countless airstrikes.
The Gaza Health Ministry said the missiles have killed more than 13,000 people in Gaza, with more than 2,700 others missing or believed to be buried under the rubble of buildings.
It is reported that three Americans, including a three-year-old girl, are among the 50 hostages expected to be released by Hamas under the deal.
The Times of Israel had reported earlier that the Israeli Defence Forces, Shin Bet and Mossad are in favour of the deal.
An official said Netanyahu had insisted on certain elements being part of the deal, including the potential for the ongoing release of hostages even after the four--day pause, a commitment by Hamas to identify and locate hostages being held by other terror groups in the Gaza Strip, and a refusal to release Palestinian prisoners who have been convicted of murder.
The source told the newspaper that Israel believes Hamas could potentially locate about 30 more Israeli mothers and children beyond the initial 50, and that the halt in fighting could be extended by an extra day for each group of 10 more Israeli hostages located and freed. – The Vibes, November 22, 2023.
