Netanyahu says deal over Gaza hostages has been reached
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The news: Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed that a deal to return hostages held in the Gaza Strip has been reached, the Associated Press reported, clearing the way for a ceasefire that would pause 15 months of war.
The context: Netanyahu said he would convene his security Cabinet later today, with a view to have Israel's government approve the long-awaited agreement.
Israel delayed a vote on the ceasefire on Thursday, blaming a last-minute dispute with Hamas for holding up the approval process.
Netanyahu’s office accused Hamas of reneging on parts of the agreement in an attempt to gain further concessions.
Hamas denied the claims, with senior official Izzat al-Rishq saying the group "is committed to the ceasefire agreement, which was announced by the mediators".
The ceasefire is designed to pause fighting in the Gaza Strip and release dozens of hostages held by militants in Gaza, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
The source: Associated Press
