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Israel and Hamas Agree to Cease-Fire

Israel and Hamas Agree to Cease-Fire

Israel and Hamas agreed to a cease-fire to release hostages and Palestinian prisoners. Hamas will release 33 hostages over six weeks. Israel will free hundreds of Palestinian detainees.

The first group includes minors, women, and people with health issues. Convicted leaders of major attacks are excluded.

Israel approved the deal after hours of deliberation. Prime Minister Netanyahu praised U.S. President Biden and President-elect Trump for their roles.

Netanyahu thanked Biden for his dedication. He commended Trump for supporting efforts to end Gaza’s use as a base for terrorism. Trump claimed his efforts sped up the process.

The deal begins Sunday. Hamas will release three hostages first. Among them are Rumi Gonen and Shiri Bibas with her two sons. Two Americans, Keith Siegel and Sagui Dekel-Chen, will also be released. Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander is not included.

Israel will also release prisoners gradually. These include Nawal Abd Fattah, convicted of an attempted stabbing, and Ibrahim Zmar, involved in a Jerusalem shooting. Also released prisoners cannot be re-arrested on the same charges. Each hostage release corresponds to 30 Palestinian prisoners.

The deal allows 600 aid trucks into Gaza daily. Displaced Gazans also may return to northern areas under Qatari-Egyptian oversight. Israel will reduce its military presence in some areas.

Also, negotiations for the next phase begin on day 16 of the cease-fire. This phase will also focus on releasing soldiers and young men. Netanyahu warned that military operations will resume if talks fail. President Biden stated that a permanent cease-fire depends on the success of these stages. Later phases will include returning the remains of deceased hostages and rebuilding Gaza.

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