The first phase of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas has led to the return of three Israeli hostages after 471 days in Gaza. Israel views this as a step toward securing the release of all hostages, while hoping for an end to Hamas' control in Gaza.
Three women have been in captivity for 471 days since October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel killing over 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting over 200 others.
US President Joe Biden announced the release of three Israeli hostages as part of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel. The deal, initiated in May, also includes provisions for humanitarian aid to Gaza and outlines steps for future negotiations
The Office of the Prime Minister of Israel confirmed that the deal would take effect at 11:15 am (local time) on Sunday. Notably, the deal was earlier set to take effect on Sunday, January 19, at 08:30 (local time).
Quoting Benjamin Netanyahu, the Office of the Prime Minister of Israel on X wrote, "We will be unable to move forward with the framework until we receive the list of the hostages who will be released, as was agreed. Israel will not tolerate violations of the agreement. Hamas is solely res
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said Saturday that Israel is to release more than 1,890 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 33 Israeli hostages in the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal.
Earlier on Friday, the Israeli security cabinet approved the hostage release-ceasefire deal with Hamas and recommended the government to adopt it, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office said. The government later approved the deal by a vote of 24-8 during the early hours on Saturday.
The Israeli government has approved the ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas, according to a report by Times of Israel. In a vote of 24-8, the cabinet approved the deal, which is set to take effect on Sunday. The deal was approved in the early hours of Saturday.
The Ministry also reiterated its call for the release of Nepali student Bipin Joshi from Hamas captivity. Joshi, an agriculture student from Nepal, was abducted by Hamas on October 7, 2023, while he was in Israel under the "learn and earn scheme."
The full cabinet is expected to approve it by a large majority, following a meeting that extended into Shabbat. The full cabinet is expected to vote by a large majority to approve the deal, which was signed overnight in Qatar and is set to take effect on Sunday.
The Israeli Prime Minister's Office on Friday shared that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been updated by the negotiating team over agreements reached for the deal on release of hostages.