The Israeli cabinet approved a deal for the release of 50 hostages held by Hamas and temporary ‘ceasefire’ on the 46th day of the war on Gaza that has killed over 1,400 Palestinians, mostly children, and over 1,200 Israelis.
Qatar, the mediator in the Gaza truce talks, has confirmed that a humanitarian pause has been agreed in Gaza.
A statement posted by Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided additional detail including that, the starting time of the pause will be announced within the next 24 hours and the pause will last for four days, subject to extension and the agreement includes the release of 50 civilian women and children hostages currently held in the Gaza Strip in exchange for the release of a number of Palestinian women and children detained in Israeli prisons.
The State of Qatar announces that a humanitarian pause has been agreed in Gaza
Doha – 22 November 2023
The State of Qatar announces the success of its joint mediation efforts undertaken with the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States of America between Israel and the…
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) November 22, 2023
US President Joe Biden has welcomed the deal “to secure the release of hostages taken by Hamas”.
“I’m gratified that these brave souls, who have endured an unspeakable ordeal, will be reunited with their families once this deal is fully implemented,” Biden posted on his X account.
I welcome the deal to secure the release of hostages taken by Hamas during its brutal assault against Israel on October 7th.⁰⁰I'm gratified that these brave souls, who have endured an unspeakable ordeal, will be reunited with their families once this deal is fully implemented.
— President Biden (@POTUS) November 22, 2023
He also thanked the Qatari and Egyptian leadership for “their critical partnership” in reaching this deal.
“Today’s deal will bring home more American hostages. As President, I have no higher priority than ensuring the safety of Americans held hostage around the world. And I will not stop until they are all released,” he added.
