Israel And Hamas Agree On Truce To Free Hostages In Swap, Raising Hopes Of Halting War In Gaza

Israel and Hamas agreed to a four-day cease-fire in the devastating war in Gaza — a breakthrough that will facilitate the release of dozens of hostages held by militants as well as Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, officials said Wednesday.

The truce raised hopes of eventually winding down the war, which was triggered by Hamas’ Oct. 7 rampage into southern Israel. Now in its seventh week, the war has leveled vast swaths of Gaza, fueled a surge of violence in the occupied West Bank, and stirred fears of a wider conflict across the Middle East.

The Persian Gulf nation of Qatar, which has played a key role in mediating with Hamas, announced the deal, saying a start time would be given Wednesday or early Thursday. Fifty hostages will be freed in stages, in exchange for the release of what Hamas said would be 150 Palestinian prisoners.

Both sides will let go women and children first, and the supply of humanitarian aid flowing into the besieged territory will be ramped up.

Read more: AP