Doha: Russia and US have welcomed the deal to secure the release of hostages taken by Hamas during the attack on Israel.
“I welcome the deal to secure the release of hostages taken by Hamas during its brutal assault against Israel on October 7th,” US President Joe Biden said in a post on X and added, “I’m gratified that these brave souls, who have endured an unspeakable ordeal, will be reunited with their families once this deal is fully implemented.”
According to the RIA news agency, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that Moscow welcomed the humanitarian ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
The World Health Organisation has mourned the deaths of three doctors and a patient companion, who were killed in an attack on Gaza’s Al-Awda Hospital.
“Reportedly, many were additionally injured in the attack. The hospital also sustained substantial damages,” it said in a post on X.
Hamas and Israel’s government agreed to a four-day truce to allow the release of 50 hostages held in Gaza in exchange for 150 Palestinians imprisoned in Israel, and the entry of humanitarian aid into the besieged enclave.
Qatar, which has been mediating secret negotiations, said the starting time of the truce would be announced within the next 24 hours. In a statement, it called the agreement a “humanitarian pause”.
Hamas is believed to be holding more than 200 hostages, taken when its fighters surged into Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies.
A statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Office said 50 women and children will be released over four days, during which there will be a pause in fighting.
For every additional 10 hostages released, the pause would be extended by another day, it said, without mentioning the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange.
“Israel’s government is committed to return all the hostages home. Tonight, it approved the proposed deal as a first stage to achieving this goal," said the statement, released after hours of deliberation that were closed to the press.
Hamas said the 50 hostages would be released in exchange for 150 Palestinian women and children who are held in Israeli jails. The truce deal will also allow hundreds of trucks of humanitarian, medical and fuel aid to enter Gaza, Hamas said.