Israel’s Hostage Deal With Hamas: 50 To Be Free During 4-Day Ceasefire

Jerusalem:

Israel vowed early Wednesday to “continue its war” against Hamas following a truce in Gaza, according to an official statement sent to AFP by the prime minister’s office. Hamas welcomed the ‘humanitarian truce’ in Gaza, it said in a statement.

“The Israeli government, the Israeli army and the security forces will continue the war to bring back all those kidnapped, eliminate Hamas and ensure that there is no longer any threat to the State of Israel from Gaza,” the statement said.

Around 240 people were abducted during an attack on October 7 in which Israel says Hamas gunmen killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians.

In retaliation, Israel launched a relentless bombing campaign and ground offensive in Gaza. According to the Hamas government, the war has killed more than 14,100 people, including nearly 6,000 children and close to 4,000 women.

Wednesday’s deal includes the release of 50 hostages in exchange for the release of 150 Palestinians held prisoner in Israel, according to sources close to the talks.

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