Four-day ceasefire to come into effect in Gaza on Thursday; Hamas and Israel will release hostages

DOHA: A temporary ceasefire in Gaza will come into effect on Thursday, a month and a half after the start of the Israel-Hamas war. The Benjamin Netanyahu cabinet has approved a four-day ceasefire as per the agreement reached with Hamas. Hamas Politburo Chairman Mousa Abu Marzouk announced that the ceasefire will take effect from 10 am on Thursday. Israel has also confirmed this.

The ceasefire was agreed upon in talks mediated by Qatar. The ceasefire is likely to be extended for more days depending on the exchange of hostages and prisoners, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar stated. Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, have also demanded an extension of the ceasefire.

As per the agreement, Hamas will release 50 hostages it captured on October 7. The Israeli Prime Minister's Office has issued a statement clarifying this. However, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has made it clear that Israel will not end the war completely. It is also reported that 150 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody will be released. Hamas will be freeing hostages, including women and children. The agreement was approved after an all-night cabinet meeting led by Benjamin Netanyahu.