Deal⁢ Details and Initial Reactions

‍ ⁣On November 22,2023,Israel and Hamas reached an agreement to release hostages held in ​Gaza,brokered by Qatar,Egypt,and the United States.⁢ The deal involves a temporary‍ ceasefire and the release of 50 ‍hostages – women and children – held by Hamas in ‍exchange for the release of 150 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, according ⁤to Reuters.

Israeli Prime Minister⁤ Benjamin Netanyahu expressed optimism following the agreement, stating: “God willing, together we will continue ​to achieve ‌all our objectives and expand ⁣peace with our neighbors.” He and former⁤ U.S. ⁤President ‌Donald Trump spoke‍ in a “very ​emotional and cordial” conversation, congratulating each other on the “historic achievement” of the first phase of the⁤ agreement, as reported by ‍the Prime minister’s Office. Netanyahu also extended an⁣ invitation to Trump to address the Knesset,Israel’s parliament.

Netanyahu’s initial reaction to the deal was succinct: “With God’s help, we will bring‍ them all home.” This referred to the 48 Israeli hostages still in Hamas custody, approximately 20 of ‌whom are believed to be alive, ‌according to NBC News.

Statements from Israeli Leadership

Israeli ‌president Isaac Herzog conveyed national solidarity with the hostages and their families, stating, “at this moment israel’s heart beats in ‌unison​ with the hostages and their families.” He added,“They will return⁣ from the land of⁢ the⁢ enemy (…) and the children will return to their borders,” in a post on his​ X (formerly Twitter) account.

Families’ Response and Ongoing‌ Concerns

‍ The families of the hostages reacted with a mixture of “excitement” and “worry,” urging the ⁣Israeli government to ‍approve the ​agreement “immediately.” The Hostages and Missing families forum emphasized​ that while the deal represents a “important advance,” their fight⁤ will ⁣continue until the return of all hostages, as reported ‍by⁤ The Times of Israel.
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