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Israel and Hamas 'reach hostage deal': Washington Post

By AAP Newswire

Nov 19, 2023

Posters showing images of the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza — The hostages were taken in the cross-border attacks by Hamas militants on October 7. -EPA

Israel, the United States and Hamas have reportedly reached a tentative agreement to free dozens of women and children being held hostage in Gaza.

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The release would be on the basis of a five day pause in fighting in the territory, the Washington Post reported on Saturday citing peoplefamiliar with the deal.

As part of the detailed, six-page agreement, all parties would freeze combat operations for at least five days while "an initial 50 or more hostages are released in smaller groups every 24 hours", the Post reported.

Hamas took about 240 people hostage during its October 7 rampage across the border that left 1,200 dead.

In Israel's military response in Gaza , more than 11,500 Palestinians have been killed, according to local health authorities.

The newspaper said overhead surveillance would monitor ground movement to help police the pause, which also is intended to allow in a significant amount of humanitarian aid.

There was no immediate comment from the White House or the Israeli prime minister's office on the Post report.

The hostage release could begin within the next several days, according to people familiar with its the agreement.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press