Israel’s government approves deal for temporary Gaza truce, captive release

Israel’s cabinet has approved a deal with Hamas to secure the release of 50 hostages being held in Gaza

The hostages will be released over a four-day pause in fighting, a statement from the Israeli prime minister’s office says. Under the deal, the release of every additional 10 hostages will extend the pause in fighting by one day.

The deal was approved by Israel’s cabinet after a lengthy meeting that ran into the early hours of Wednesday

Before the meeting, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said the war effort would continue even if a hostage agreement was struck. Israel began attacking Gaza after Hamas fighters crossed the border on 7 October, killing 1,200 people and taking more than 200 others hostage

Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry says more than 14,000 people – including more than 5,000 children – have been killed in Israel’s campaign

(BBC)