A temporary ceasefire, beginning Friday morning, has been established between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, facilitated by Qatari negotiators.
This ceasefire is poised to address immediate humanitarian needs in Gaza and facilitate a prisoner exchange.
According to Fox News, the four-day ceasefire aims to assist the 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza affected by the conflict. During this period, Hamas has committed to releasing at least 50 hostages, part of around 240 taken on Oct. 7, in exchange for Israel freeing 150 Palestinian prisoners.
Majed al-Ansari, a Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman, confirmed the ceasefire's start and noted that aid would enter Gaza "as soon as possible."
Lists of those to be released have been exchanged, with the initial release of 13 women and children held by Hamas scheduled for Friday afternoon. The exchange ratio is set at three Palestinians for every Israeli hostage.
The ceasefire, originally planned for Thursday, was delayed by a day. Israeli national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi announced the postponement without stating a reason.
This ceasefire is seen as a step towards addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and potentially ending the violence.
