Hamas Agrees to Release Israeli Hostages Under Ceasefire Agreement
The presently released communique states that an agreement has been reached on Hamas’s implementation of the release of Israeli hostages.
Talks with Mediators Yield Positive Results
According to reports, Hamas officials held discussions with Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo to focus on ceasefire terms. Main humanitarian rules imposed in the discussions included ensuring various essential supplies such as housing, tents, medical supplies, fuel, as well as other aid into Palestine.
In a statement on social media, Hamas describes the meetings as positive and states that the mediators assured Hamas of efforts toward removing any obstacles for the enactment of the agreement.
Ceasefire Timeline and Prisoner Exchange
Hamas confirmed that it will respect the ceasefire as set out within the agreed schedule that also includes a prisoner exchange for both sides.
Hamas initially refused to release the hostages, claiming that Israel had violated the ceasefire agreement, but the U.S. and Israel noted that should the hostages not be released by the end of the week, the ceasefire agreement could be called off.