In a move toward de-escalation, the Israeli Cabinet has announced a planned ceasefire with Hamas, set to last a maximum of 10 days, according to a report from the Times of Israel. The ceasefire hinges on a significant exchange involving up to 300 Palestinian prisoners for approximately 100 live hostages held by Israel.
Israeli news website Ynet has reported that Israel will provide the names of the hostages to Hamas as part of the agreement. Notably, the deal includes a provision ensuring kidnapped mothers and children will not be separated upon release.
The Times of Israel report specifies that the hostages must be either Israeli citizens or residents, although the exact criteria for this classification remain undisclosed. The proposed process involves a phased release, with the initial liberation of 150 Palestinian prisoners once 50 hostages are freed. This staged release is expected to span four days, with a minimum of 10 hostages being released each day.
A second phase is outlined, wherein an additional 150 Palestinian prisoners may be released from Israeli prisons contingent upon the return of up to 50 hostages to Israel. Similar to the first phase, a minimum of 10 hostages would need to be released in each stage. According to the report, an extra 24-hour ceasefire would follow the release of every 10 hostages.
While the planned exchange offers a temporary reprieve, the Times of Israel emphasizes that the fighting in the Gaza Strip is anticipated to resume after the 10-day ceasefire period. The situation remains fluid, with the specifics of who qualifies as an Israeli citizen or resident yet to be disclosed.
