Qatar has brokered a truce-for-hostages deal between Israel and Hamas, bringing a four-day halt to the six-week war, AP News reports.
The agreement involves the release of 50 out of the roughly 240 hostages held by Hamas in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, primarily women and children from both sides. The truce will also lead to increased humanitarian aid for Gaza.
Israel’s Cabinet approved the deal, with a provision for a longer truce if more hostages are released. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated ahead of the approval that the war would resume after the truce expires.
The war erupted on October 7, resulting in over 11,000 Palestinian casualties and displacing 1.7 million people, while Israel aims to destroy Hamas’ military capabilities.
