Hamas poised to release first hostages under deal, Israel says

The Palestinian group Hamas is expected to free its first hostages on January 19th under a Gaza ceasefire deal, the office for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on January 17th, following the 15-month war, Asharq Al-Awsat via Reuters reported.

If the ceasefire succeeds, it would end the fighting which has destroyed vast areas of Gaza, killed more than 46,000 people and displaced the majority of the small enclave’s pre-war population of 2.3 million, local authorities have said.

The move could also mitigate friction within the Middle East. In the initial six-week phase of the three-stage deal, the Palestinian group will free 33 Israeli hostages, which includes all women (soldiers and civilians), children, and men over the age of 50.

Asharq Al-Awsat via Reuters