Tel Aviv/Washington:An Israel-Hamas hostage deal has been struck today to release 50 hostages held by Hamas since its October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.
In a statement released today, the Government of Israel said was obligated to return home all of the hostages.
“Tonight, the Government has approved the outline of the first stage of achieving this goal, according to which at least 50 hostages – women and children – will be released over four days, during which a pause in the fighting will be held. The release of every additional ten hostages will result in one additional day in the pause,” it said.
Israel, however, made it clear that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the security services will continue the war in order to return home all of the hostages, complete the elimination of Hamas and ensure that there will be no new threat to the State of Israel from Gaza.
Israel claims over 240 individuals were kidnapped into the Gaza Strip by Hamas on October 7.
The United States welcomed the deal that also ensures release of American citizens.
“Today’s outcome is the result of tireless diplomacy and relentless effort across the US State Department and broader United States government. I appreciate the leadership and ongoing partnership of Egypt and Qatar in this work,” US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken. He thanked the government of Israel for supporting a humanitarian pause that will facilitate the transfer of hostages to safety and allow additional humanitarian assistance to reach Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
“While this deal marks significant progress, we will not rest as long as Hamas continues to hold hostages in Gaza. My highest priority is the safety and security of Americans overseas, and we will continue our efforts to secure the release of every hostage and their swift reunification with their families,” he said. He added: “I cannot imagine the ordeal that each of these individuals has endured over the past few weeks, and I am thankful that they will be reunited with their loved ones soon.”
Earlier the Israeli cabinet met to discuss this matter right now. The US was in close conversation with them, as they were with the Government of Qatar, who has been helping facilitate discussions for the – since the early days of the crisis. Earlier on November 21, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu categorically said, “There is a lot of nonsense out there to the effect that after the pause to return our hostages, we will stop the war. Then let me make it clear: We are at war – and will continue the war. We will continue the war until we achieve all of our war aims: To eliminate Hamas, return all of our hostages and our missing, and ensure that there is no element in Gaza that threatens Israel”.
-global bihari bureau
