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DOHA – After an almost seven-week conflict, Israel and Hamas agreed on Wednesday to a four-day ceasefire in Gaza and the exchange of hostages.
Qatar mediated the truce, marking the first agreement since Israel initiated extensive attacks on Gaza, primarily targeting civilians, starting on October 7 in response to Hamas’s attack on Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 casualties. During this period, Israeli forces have reportedly killed over 14,000 Palestinians in Gaza.
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As per the agreement, Hamas is set to release at least 50 hostages captured during the October 7 attack, and in return, Israel will release at least 150 Palestinians. The ceasefire, expected to begin at 10 am (08:00 GMT) on Thursday, will cover all regions of the Gaza Strip, with no warplanes or air traffic in Gaza from 10 am to 4 pm.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed on Tuesday night that 50 women and children would be released during the four-day period under the exchange deal. The United Nations has welcomed the agreement as an important step, with UN chief António Guterres stating that the UN is ready to maximize the positive humanitarian impact of the deal. However, he emphasized that while this is a positive step, more needs to be done. UN humanitarians reiterated their readiness to increase lifesaving aid to the enclave.
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