After an almost seven-week conflict, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a four-day ceasefire in Gaza, involving the release of hostages. Qatar played a mediating role in securing the truce, the first since Israel initiated significant attacks on Gaza on October 7 in response to a Hamas assault on Israel, resulting in 1,200 casualties. Israeli forces have reportedly killed over 14,000 Palestinians in Gaza since then.
Hamas political bureau member Mousa Abu Marzouk confirmed to Al Jazeera that the truce is set to commence at 10 am (08:00 GMT) on Thursday. Marzouk specified that the pause in fighting would cover all regions of the Gaza Strip, with no warplanes or air traffic in Gaza from 10 am to 4 pm.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated on Tuesday night that, as part of the exchange deal, 50 women and children would be released during these four days.
“Israel’s government is committed to returning all the hostages home. Tonight, it approved the proposed deal as a first stage to achieving this goal,” the government statement declared.
The United Nations welcomed the agreement, describing it as an important step. UN chief António Guterres expressed readiness to “maximize” the positive humanitarian impact of the agreement while emphasizing that more work needs to be done.
The development coincides with UN humanitarians expressing their readiness to seize the opportunity to increase lifesaving aid to the enclave.