Israel and Hamas agree to Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal

Israel and Hamas have agreed to a deal that will pause fighting in Gaza and lead to the phased release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners.

Qatar’s Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani has confirmed this and says implementation of the temporary ceasefire will start on Sunday.

Hamas is expected to release 33 hostages during the first phase of an emerging deal.

Hundreds of Palestinian prisoners are set to be released from Israeli jails at the same time.

The Israeli cabinet still needs to approve the agreement.

US President Joe Biden says talks will go beyond the temporary ceasefire to a phase two of the deal that could include “a permanent end of the war.

Negotiations to reach the second phase – which is intended to end the war – would begin on the 16th day of the implementation of the deal.

Source: CNN