US President Joe Biden called many leaders of West Asia (Middle East). He spoke to
Israeli Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu, Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and
Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi to discuss the latest situation in the region. The conversation took place at a time when a major agreement has been reached between
Israel and Hamas regarding the release of hostages.
The
US President said in a statement that I thank Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar and President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi of
Egypt for their important leadership and participation in reaching this agreement. The commitment of Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government should also be appreciated.
In fact, on Wednesday,
Israel and Hamas had agreed to a temporary four-day ceasefire for the release of 50 hostages held by the terrorist group in
Gaza in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners and to allow humanitarian aid in the besieged area. Once this agreement is implemented, it could be the first major diplomatic success since the war that has been going on since October 7.
Prime Minister Netanyahu said this
Earlier, Prime Minister Netanyahu said that the war will continue until all our goals are achieved. Netanyahu stressed before the Cabinet meeting that the agreement was the result of
Israel's military campaign increasing pressure on Hamas. He said that we will not rest in peace until every person returns to the country. The war has several phases and the return of hostages will also be phased.
The agreement was approved by 35 votes against three
After this, an important meeting took place in Tel Aviv for about six hours. After a meeting that ended on Wednesday morning,
Israel's Cabinet approved the agreement brokered by Qatar,
Egypt and the
US by 35 votes to three. Party ministers, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party, voted against it. Before the cabinet meeting, a meeting of the War Cabinet and the Security Cabinet took place.
Hostages in Gaza will be released in four days
According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), 50 women and children held hostage in
Gaza will be released in four days. There will be ceasefire during this period. The ceasefire will be extended by another day for every 10 additional hostages released. The ceasefire will take effect at 10 am local time on Thursday.
Israel releases list of 300 Palestinians
Meanwhile,
Israel has released a list of 300 Palestinians. They can be released under the agreement. The list mainly includes teenagers detained last year for stone throwing and other minor crimes. Only 150 prisoners can be released in the first phase. The
Israeli military says it has detained more than 1,850 Palestinians in the West Bank since the war began, most of them suspected Hamas members.
important points of agreement
The agreement was announced in a statement issued by Qatar's Foreign Ministry.
This was said to be the result of mediation by
Egypt, America and Qatar for a humanitarian ceasefire.
The agreement will also increase the supply of humanitarian aid to
Gaza.
This will allow the convoys of vehicles carrying relief material to increase.