A Gaza cease-fire, spanning four days, commenced following weeks of conflict between Israel and Hamas. The truce, aimed at freeing hostages from the October 7 terrorist attack, was initiated at 7 a.m. local time on Friday, marking the first significant pause in the ongoing war.
After extensive deliberation, Israeli leaders, on Friday, agreed to the cease-fire brokered by Qatar. As part of the agreement, Hamas is set to release 50 women and children during the truce, with Israel committing to extend the “humanitarian pause” for an additional day for every 10 hostages released. The initial group of 13 Israeli hostages is anticipated to be released later on Friday.
Israel estimates that Hamas is holding nearly 240 hostages in Gaza, including about 10 Americans. In conjunction with the cease-fire, Israel will release 150 Palestinian women and minors currently in custody. Simultaneously, Gaza is expected to receive an influx of humanitarian aid, including medical supplies and fuel.
The release of hostages will occur in five phases, starting with the handover of women and children to the Red Cross and subsequent transfer to the IDF. The hostages will undergo medical checks before being sent to Israeli hospitals to reunite with their families. Subsequent stages involve interviews by medical and military personnel to assess the well-being of the hostages, followed by formal discussions with Israeli security officials.
President Biden welcomed the deal to secure the release of hostages and expressed determination to secure the release of all American hostages. Despite hopes for further ceasefires, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that peace would not be an option until Hamas is eradicated. He stated,
“The war will continue until we achieve all of our goals: to eliminate Hamas, to return all our hostages, and to ensure that Gaza will no longer be a threat to Israel.”
