pushed for the deal to be finalized, Prime Minister Netanyahu agreed to meet the demand. The final draft was announced on November 22, about 50 days after the 240 Israelis were taken hostage. The deal stated that 13 of the hostages would be released on Friday, with the rest to be released in the coming weeks. In addition, Israel agreed to delay the movement of drones in the Gaza Strip, and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire for an extended period of time.
The negotiations, as described by the “Wall Street Journal,” were intense, dramatic, and at times seemed to be on the brink of collapse. However, the tireless efforts of the international team, led by the US and Qatar, ultimately led to a breakthrough in the negotiations. The release of the first 13 hostages on Friday will mark the first major step toward the complete release of all 240 Israeli hostages.
The painstaking negotiations, which involved complex relationships between Israel, Hamas, the US, Qatar, and Egypt, highlight the delicate and often challenging nature of international diplomacy. The release of the hostages will be a significant moment for all parties involved and a testament to the power of diplomacy in resolving conflicts.