Israel’s government and Hamas have agreed to a four-day pause in fighting to allow the release of 50 hostages held in Gaza in exchange for 150 Palestinians imprisoned in Israel, and the entry of humanitarian aid into the besieged enclave.
Officials from Qatar, which have been mediating secret negotiations, as well as the U.S., Israel and Hamas have for days been saying a deal was imminent.
A statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said 50 women and children will be released over four days, during which there will be a pause in fighting.
Hamas said the 50 hostages would be released in exchange for 150 Palestinian women and children who are held in Israeli jails.