(VOVWORLD) - The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office announced Tuesday that Israel and Hamas had reached an agreement for the release of six hostages currently held in Gaza as part of the first phase of a ceasefire deal. The hostages are scheduled for release on February 22.
 Palestinian prisoners, released by Israel, reunite with their relatives in the West Bank city of Ramallah on February 1, 2025. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA) |
The agreement was brokered following negotiations in Cairo involving delegations from Egypt, Qatar, Israel, and the United States.
According to Egyptian state-run Al-Qahera News, the breakthrough came after extensive discussions between all parties.
Israeli state-run Kan TVN News, citing an Israeli official, reported that Israel has agreed to facilitate the transport of mobile homes and heavy equipment into Gaza to support reconstruction efforts.
In exchange, Hamas will release the six hostages. Additionally, Hamas has pledged to return the bodies of four hostages on February 20, with another four bodies to be repatriated next week.