Netanyahu Announces Approval of First Hostage Deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office issued an official statement confirming "the council's decision early this morning to approve the first hostage deal in the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza." The statement added that "the Israeli government is committed to bringing all hostages home. The government approved the outlines of the first phase to achieve this goal, under which at least 50 hostages, including women and children, will be released over four days during which fighting will be calmed." It added that "the release of every additional ten hostages will lead to an additional day of respite." It was also announced by the Israeli foreign minister that "the process of returning hostages held by Hamas will begin on Thursday."