#hostage-exchange

#hostage-exchange

What a difference a day makes. On Tuesday the war in Gaza had entered its third year: then 24 hours later came the single most significant step to bring it to an end. Hamas agreed to release all remaining 48 hostages, 20 of whom are believed to be alive. In exchange, Israel will release almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and withdraw its forces to agreed demarcation lines. Apart from stopping the death and destruction, more aid will flow into Gaza immediately.

Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phases of a ceasefire deal that aims to end the war in Gaza, which entered its third year on Tuesday. The deal relies on the exchange of Israeli hostages held by Hamas for Palestinians detained and imprisoned by Israel. This announcement comes just hours after President Trump informed reporters at the White House that he is prepared to travel to the Middle East as early as this weekend.