Cease-fire, Prisoner Exchange Between Israel and Hamas To Start Friday
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry announced Thursday that a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas will start Friday at 7 am, with the initial release of 13 hostages scheduled for 4 pm. The deal, mediated by Qatar and the US, is part of a broader effort to end the conflict that erupted following Hamas’ attacks targeting Israeli civilians on October 7.
Under the agreement, Hamas will release 50 women and children over four days in exchange for a cease-fire and the release of 150 Palestinian prisoners—also women and minors—by Israel. This arrangement will also facilitate the entry of fuel and humanitarian aid into Gaza, marking a significant step since the war’s commencement.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Hamas has proposed new conditions, including transferring released hostages directly to Egypt instead of the Red Cross. These developments have led to speculation about the delay’s cause, initially set to start Thursday morning.
Israeli officials and the United States have downplayed the delay, attributing it to minor logistical issues. Egypt, involved in the negotiations, cited Hamas’ failure to provide a complete list of hostages and sign off on the deal as reasons for the postponement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant have emphasized their readiness to counter any potential maneuvers by Hamas during the cease-fire. Netanyahu, in conversation with UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron, expressed hope for the deal’s success.
