Qatar declared on Wednesday, November 22, a truce-for-hostages agreement between Israel and Hamas, marking the first temporary cessation of hostilities in the six-week-long conflict.

The deal, mediated by Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, is expected to secure the release of dozens of hostages held in the Gaza Strip and lead to the liberation of Palestinian prisoners.

The truce, scheduled to last four days, will commence shortly, with 50 hostages set to be freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

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The individuals released by both sides will predominantly include women and children. The agreement entails an increase in humanitarian aid to the besieged Gaza region.

The announcement followed Israel’s Cabinet approval of the deal, concluding weeks of indirect negotiations facilitated by Qatar between Israel and Hamas.

The United States and Egypt were also active participants in the discussions aimed at securing the release of hostages.

Hamas confirmed that the deal encompasses the release of 50 hostages and 150 Palestinian prisoners, specifically women and minors.

In a statement, the Office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed the Israeli government’s commitment to bringing all hostages home.

The outlined truce will involve a four-day halt to Israel’s military offensive in Gaza while Hamas releases “at least” 50 of the approximately 240 hostages held by the group and other militants.

Prime Minister Netanyahu, speaking ahead of the Cabinet vote, emphasized that the war against Hamas would resume once the truce concludes, stating, “We are at war, and we will continue the war until we achieve all our goals.”

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The government statement outlined that the truce’s duration could be extended by an additional day for every 10 additional hostages released by Hamas.

The conflict began on October 7 when thousands of Hamas militants breached the border into Israel, resulting in at least 1,200 casualties and the capture of hundreds of hostages.

The victims included civilians, with a significant number being children, women, and elderly individuals.

In response, Israel conducted extensive airstrikes on Gaza, followed by a ground invasion that commenced over three weeks ago.