Israeli Government Approves Hostage Release Deal With Hamas

The Israeli government early Wednesday morning approved a major agreement for the release of about 50 hostages—all of them women and children—abducted by Hamas during the October 7 terror attacks in Gaza.

The deal, supported even by the far-right Religious Zionism party and opposed only by farthest-right Itamar Ben Gvir’s Otzma Yehudit faction, includes a four-day cease-fire and the release of 150 Palestinian security prisoners by Israel. These prisoners are teenagers and women and none have been convicted of murder. The Israeli hostages will be returned in groups of 12-13 per day, and the agreement could extend to more hostages and prisoners.

A significant aspect of the agreement is the increase in humanitarian aid and fuel to Gaza. The public has 24 hours to petition the High Court of Justice against the deal, which is expected to be upheld despite challenges from groups like the Almagor Terror Victims Association.

US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized in a briefing on Tuesday afternoon in Washington that humanitarian aid to Gaza should not be tied to any deal. While an agreement was close, he said, the US was actively engaged with the Israeli government and Qatar, mediating the deal. Miller highlighted the complexities of the negotiations with Hamas, which is designated by the US and Israel as a terrorist organization.

The hostage situation involves not only Hamas but potentially other groups as well. Islamic Jihad, another terrorist group, announced the death of hostage Hannah Katzir, blaming Israel for delays in negotiations. In a heartfelt plea, Sara Netanyahu, wife of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, appealed for the safe return of the captive children, highlighting the trauma they have endured.

For more detailed insights on this developing story, readers are invited to read Clint Van Winkle’s full article on The Media Line’s website.