In a significant development, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a temporary ceasefire, which allows the release of some fifty prisoners who have been detained in Gaza since the armed group's assault into southern Israel on October 7. The deal, brokered by Qatar, calls for the two parties to exchanged detainees.

The Israeli cabinet endorsed the deal following intensive talks, with only three members voting against it, Al Jazeera reported on Wednesday. The truce stipulates that during a four-day period, Hamas will release at least 50 women and children. For every additional 10 hostages released, the pause will be extended by a day. The agreement does not explicitly mention the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.