The Israeli cabinet approved a deal for Hamas to release at least 50 women and children held hostage in the Gaza Strip during a four-day pause in fighting, the Israeli prime minister’s office announced.
“The government of Israel is obligated to return home all of the hostages,” the Israeli statement said.
“The release of every additional 10 hostages will result in one additional day in the pause.”
The agreement includes the release of more than 100 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
A Hamas spokesperson said Tuesday that “the agreement will be acceptable to the leaders of Hamas’ armed wing”.
CNN reported on Tuesday that Israel had agreed to a Hamas demand to stop flying intelligence-gathering drones over Gaza Strip for six hours each day.
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Meanwhile, skirmishes on Israel’s northern front with Hezbollah intensified on Tuesday.
Two reporters working for the Beirut-based Al-Mayadeen channel died in an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon.
The killings prompted a massive wave of condemnation in Lebanon and the region.
The Israel Defense Forces released video footage of airstrikes targeting what it says is Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon.
In another report, U.S. President Joe Biden said in a statement late Tuesday that he welcomes the agreement to release at least 50 hostages being held in Gaza.
Biden stressed that “it is important that all aspects of this deal be fully implemented”.
“I am extraordinarily gratified that some of these brave souls, who have endured weeks of captivity and an unspeakable ordeal, will be reunited with their families.
Biden said the agreement should release some American hostages, adding, “I will not stop until they are all released”.
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