Israel and Hamas have agreed to a deal to release 50 hostages being held in Gaza during a four-day pause in fighting. Israeli officials say the 50 hostages to be released will all be women and children. If successful, this will be the first ceasefire since the beginning of the war.
The pause in fighting could last for more than four days - Israel says that for every 10 hostages released over the initial 50, the pause will be extended by one day.
Hamas says the 50 hostages will be released in exchange for 150 Palestinian women and children held in Israeli prisons.
The deal was approved by Israel's cabinet after a lengthy meeting that took place in the early hours of Wednesday. According to the agreement, the release of every 10 additional hostages will extend the ceasefire by one day.
Before the meeting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the war effort would continue even if a hostage deal was reached.
Qatar, which brokered the deal, says more trucks carrying aid, medical supplies and fuel will be allowed into Gaza, which is facing a dire humanitarian situation.
"The start time of the pause will be announced within the next 24 hours and will last four days," Doha said in a statement.
Israel began attacking Gaza after Hamas fighters crossed the border on October 7, killing 1,200 people and taking more than 200 hostages.
The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry says more than 14,000 people - including more than 5,000 children - have been killed by Israel. (A2 Televizion)
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