Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Set To Begin Friday In Hostage Release Deal, Qatar Announces

Qatar has announced that a brief ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is set to begin on Friday morning. This truce comes as part of a broader agreement involving the exchange of hostages and prisoners between the two conflicting sides.

According to Bloomberg, the truce, scheduled to start at 7 a.m. local time in Gaza, will be accompanied by the release of a group of women and children held hostage by Hamas around 4 p.m., as stated by Majed Al-Ansari, a spokesperson for the Qatari Foreign Ministry.

This ceasefire and exchange deal, facilitated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, highlights the intricate challenges in achieving peace between Israel and Hamas.

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Under the agreement, Hamas will release 50 hostages, while Israel will free 150 Palestinian prisoners. Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have expressed cautious optimism about the deal, emphasizing its significance in the current conflict scenario, Bloomberg reports.

Despite the truce, tensions remain high in the region. Northern Gaza witnessed continued skirmishes between Israeli troops and Hamas militants, and the Lebanese border saw exchanges of fire involving the Hezbollah militant group. 

The deal also includes provisions for humanitarian aid in Gaza, addressing the crisis as reported by the United Nations and Palestinian officials. A potential extension of the ceasefire is contingent on the release of additional hostages, indicating a phased approach to peace efforts.

The U.S. and Israel have opposed a longer truce, citing concerns over Hamas's potential rearmament. The outcome of this deal holds considerable implications for President Joe Biden, who faces domestic and international pressure to resolve the conflict.

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