ALBAWABA - According to the Washington Post, Israel, the United States, and Hamas have reached a tentative agreement to free dozens of women and children held hostage in Gaza in exchange for a five-day pause in fighting.
"An initial 50 or more hostages are released in smaller groups every 24 hours", the Post reported. The agreement, which is reportedly six pages, all warring parties will be pausing combat operations for five days.
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, Reuters reported.
Adrienne Watson, spokesperson for the White House's National Security Council, said in a statement: "No deal yet but we continue to work hard to get a deal,".
In a daily press conference, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: "Concerning the hostages, there are many unsubstantiated rumors, many incorrect reports. I would like to make it clear: As of now, there has been no deal. But I want to promise: When there is something to say – we will report to you about it".
The ongoing relentless Israeli aggression on Gaza has so far killed at least 12,300, including more than 5,000 children, and more than 3,000 women. The Ministry of Health in Gaza has reported that at least 6,000 people have been reported missing and are believed to be trapped under the rubble.
Hamas operation against Israel
Hamas military group announced on Oct. 7 a military operation called "Al-Aqsa Flood" against Israel which is the biggest offensive in decades.
Palestinian fighters “infiltrated” Israel from the Gaza Strip captured military bases and took hostages as photos and videos went viral online showing Hamas fighters on vehicles inside Israel and others paragliding into occupation territory.
In response, Israeli armed forces announced targeting Hamas positions inside the Gaza Strip. Thousands were killed, and dozens of thousands of others were injured in the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip.
