Fifty hostages in Gaza to be freed as Israel and Hamas reach deal after weeks of fraught negotiations
Fifty hostages, including dozens of children, will be released from captivity in Gaza after a deal was reached between Israel and Hamas – marking a major breakthrough after weeks of fraught negotiations.
Under the agreement, which was brokered by Qatar and the US, at least 50 Israeli civilians – including the children and their mothers – will be released via Egypt during a four-day pause in hostilities.
The Independent understands that there will also be an exchange of Palestinian women and children held in Israeli prisons but details were not yet finalised.
Diplomatic sources told this deal can be expanded to see the release of 85 women and children in total. Sources said Israel is willing to extend by a day for every 10 additional hostages released by Hamas. The
