The Israeli government and Hamas have reportedly reached an agreement to pause hostilities in Gaza, facilitating the phased release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, according to a CNN source.
The deal, yet to be officially announced, includes the release of 33 hostages taken by Hamas and its allied groups during the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel. In exchange, Israel is expected to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
President-elect Donald Trump immediately reacted to the great news and posted on Truth Social, saying, “We have a deal for the hostages in the Middle East. They will be released shortly. Thank you!”
If confirmed, the agreement would provide the first significant cessation of violence in Gaza in over a year, marking only the second pause since Israel’s bombardment began.
The truce is also anticipated to allow Palestinian civilians to return to northern Gaza and bring a substantial influx of humanitarian aid to the region, which has faced severe humanitarian challenges for years.
This story is developing.