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Israel's cabinet approves deal for release of 50 hostages held by Hamas

The first group of hostages are expected to be released as early as Thursday

November 22, 2023 01:54
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2 min read

Israel's Cabinet has approved a deal with the Hamas terrorist group to release 50 hostages in exchange for a four-day ceasefire and the release of Palestinian prisoners.

The first batch of hostages is expected to be released as early as Thursday, with Hamas having agreed to release 12 to 13 hostages each day and release 150 to 300 female and teenage Palestinian prisoners.

As part of the agreement, Hamas will allow the International Committee of the Red Cross to visit the remaining hostages in Gaza and provide medical assistance to those who need it.

A statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said: "The government approved the broad outlines of the first stage of an agreement under which at least 50 kidnapped people - women and children - will be released over four days during which there will be a lull in the fighting."