In a significant development, a senior US official and a source familiar with the talks in the region have informed NBC that a “tentative deal” has been reached for the release of hostages held by Hamas. Although the deal is subject to approval by Israel’s government, it is expected to be announced today. However, US officials have stressed that the agreement is tenuous and may still fall apart at any moment.
According to NBC sources, the proposed deal includes several key elements. Firstly, it would entail a four to five-day pause in fighting, providing a much-needed respite to the conflict-stricken region. Additionally, the agreement would involve the release of 50 Israeli hostages, all of whom are women and children, as well as the freedom of 150 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, also predominantly women and children. Furthermore, the deal would facilitate the delivery of 300-400 trucks of humanitarian aid into Gaza daily.
