Netanyahu Announces Hostage Deal Amid Gaza Strikes, Ceasefire on the Horizon

JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Friday that a deal has been reached to secure the return of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The agreement is tied to a proposed ceasefire and the release of Palestinian prisoners.

Netanyahu confirmed that his security Cabinet will convene later on Friday, followed by a government meeting to finalize and approve the ceasefire agreement. The deal, expected to take effect Sunday, includes the release of 33 hostages over six weeks in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons.

However, tensions remain high as the Gaza Health Ministry reported that Israeli strikes have killed at least 72 Palestinians since the ceasefire deal was announced. Heavy bombardments continued overnight, with both sides seemingly escalating military operations before the ceasefire comes into effect.

Netanyahu’s office had earlier accused Hamas of reneging on parts of the agreement to gain further concessions, delaying the Cabinet’s approval.

The conflict has taken a devastating toll, with over 46,000 Palestinians killed, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Israel claims it has killed over 17,000 Hamas fighters but has not provided evidence for its claims.