A four-day pause on fighting began Friday morning Israeli time as part of a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas as the terrorist organization is set to release hostages.
This is the first hold on fighting since Hamas invaded Israel on Oct. 7. As part of the deal, in addition to the pause, Hamas is set to release 13 hostages from Gaza later Friday morning in exchange for 39 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
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Twelve Thai nationals were the first to be released, according to multiple reports, with 13 Israelis expected to follow.
“The first glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel,” Majed al Ansari, a spokesman for Qatar’s foreign ministry, said when he announced the deal.
A group of about 50 hostages is expected to be released as a part of this initial agreement over the next few days. Israel also agreed to release three Palestinians held in its custody for every Israeli who is released.
Another part of the deal is that humanitarian aid is set to come into Gaza.
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Hamas is estimated to have taken nearly 240 hostages from its Oct. 7 attack on Israel.
There are also believed to be 10 Americans held hostage by Hamas, but according to NBC News, the American hostages are not expected to be a part of this first batch of releases later Friday morning.
