breaking news – Israel and Hamas reach deal for 4-day pause in fighting, release of 50 women and children hostages
By CNN Staff
August 18, 2022
After nearly seven weeks of escalation in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, a major diplomatic breakthrough has been achieved. Israel and Hamas have agreed to a four-day pause in fighting and the release of at least 50 women and children held hostage in Gaza. The announcement of the deal has been met with relief and heightened anticipation from the families of those taken hostage, who now await further news about their loved ones.
The deal, brokered by Qatar, would see hostages held by Hamas released in exchange for a number of Palestinian women and children in Israeli jails. The truce would allow the entry of humanitarian convoys and relief aid into the region, providing crucial support to the people of Gaza who have been impacted by the conflict.
Under the terms of the deal, hostages will be released over the course of four days, with a minimum of ten hostages to be released each day. The process has involved careful coordination between Israel and Hamas, with the Red Cross facilitating the transfer of hostages to designated border points and, ultimately, to their families.
The United States has been involved in the negotiations and is working to ensure the safe release of its citizens who are among the hostages held by Hamas. US President Joe Biden has expressed his support for the deal and pledged to continue efforts to secure the release of American hostages.
Egypt, Russia, and other international partners have welcomed the agreement, expressing hope that it will lead to a comprehensive and sustainable end to the conflict in Gaza.
The release of the hostages is a significant step towards ending the hostilities between Israel and Hamas and addressing the humanitarian crisis in the region. As the first group of hostages is set to be released, the world watches with hope for a successful and peaceful resolution to the longstanding conflict.