Israel-Hamas Hostage Release Deal Reached: Netanyahu

On Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that an agreement has been made for the Israel-Hamas hostage release deal to return hostages held in the Gaza Strip. This follows earlier reports from his office mentioning last-minute obstacles in finalizing a ceasefire to pause 15 months of conflict.

Netanyahu stated he would gather his security Cabinet on Friday and then the government to approve the long-awaited deal, according to the Associated Press. “The State of Israel is committed to achieving all war objectives, including the return of all our hostages, both alive and deceased,” a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said.

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Since October 7, 2023, Israel and Hamas have been locked in a violent conflict, triggered when Gaza militants entered Israel, killing over 1,200 citizens and taking hundreds hostage. In retaliation, Israeli attacks have claimed the lives of more than 46,000 Palestinians. Numerous human rights organizations have accused Israel of committing war crimes, though Netanyahu’s government rejects these allegations. This conflict led to the Israel-Hamas hostage release deal.

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Netanyahu Clears Path for Deal to End Gaza Fighting and Release Hostages

Netanyahu’s statement appeared to pave the way for the Israeli government to approve the deal, which would halt the fighting in Gaza and secure the release of dozens of hostages held by militants in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody. The deal would also allow hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to return to what remains of their homes in Gaza. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 72 people in the war-torn region on Thursday.

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Israel Delays Ceasefire Vote Amid Hamas Dispute and Coalition Tensions

Israel postponed a vote on the ceasefire on Thursday, citing a last-minute dispute with Hamas for the delay. Rising tensions within Netanyahu’s government coalition held up the approval, raising concerns about the deal’s implementation. This occurred just a day after US President Joe Biden and key mediator Qatar announced the deal’s finalization.

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