The Israeli government approved an agreement early Wednesday that stipulates the release of 50 hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners and the establishment of a temporary ceasefire in the Palestinian territory, according to an official statement. Israel pledged early Wednesday to "continue its war" against Hamas in Gaza once the ceasefire, to which the Israeli state just agreed to comply under the agreement, expires and Hamas releases some of the hostages it holds in the region. The Israeli Prime Minister's office stated that "the Israeli government, the Israeli army, and security forces will continue the war to return all abductees, eliminate Hamas, and ensure that there is no threat to the state of Israel from Gaza."
In its statement, the Prime Minister's office clarified that "the government approved the outlines of the first phase of the agreement, under which at least 50 hostages, consisting of women and children, will be released over four days during which a ceasefire will be in effect." Axios reported, citing an unnamed Israeli official, that the exchange deal will occur in two phases during a four-day ceasefire. It added that under the deal, Hamas will release approximately 50 Israeli women and children in the first phase in exchange for Israel releasing around 150 Palestinian prisoners, most of whom are women and minors.
The agreement also includes allowing about 300 aid trucks to enter Gaza from Egypt daily, along with the entry of additional fuel into Gaza during the ceasefire period. The official mentioned that the second phase of the agreement may involve Hamas releasing dozens of Israeli detainees in exchange for extending the ceasefire for several days.
