Ceasefire Reached: Israel and Hamas Finalize Hostage Deal, Thousands of Palestinian Prisoners to Be Released

Ceasefire Reached: Israel and Hamas Finalize Hostage Deal, Thousands of Palestinian Prisoners to Be Released

By: Fern Sidman

If the agreement is signed Thursday, the phased release of hostages is expected to commence on Sunday. According to the framework of the deal, three hostages would be released on the first day. This would be followed by the release of four hostages on the seventh day. Subsequently, releases of three hostages each would occur on the 14th, 21st, 28th, and 35th days, culminating in the release of the final 14 hostages during the last week of the arrangement.

Hamas is expected to release 33 hostages in the first phase of the deal, with Israel in turn releasing hundreds of Palestinian terrorist prisoners in exchange. According to the terms of the deal, Israeli will release 30 Hamas terrorist for each kidnapped civilian and 50 Hamas terrorists for each kidnapped female IDF soldier.

Fox News reported that President Biden, joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, held a press conference Wednesday announcing that the deal would roll out in three phases.

Biden said the first phase will last six weeks and “includes a full and complete cease-fire, withdrawal of Israeli forces from all the populated areas of Gaza, and the release of a number of hostages held by Hamas, including women and elderly and the wounded. And I’m proud to say Americans will be part of that hostage release and phase one as well. And the vice president and I cannot wait to welcome them home,” he said.

In exchange, Israel released hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, Biden said, and Palestinians “can also return to their neighborhoods in all areas of Gaza, and a surge of humanitarian assistance into Gaza will begin.”

“During the next six weeks, Israel will negotiate the necessary arrangements to get phase two, which is a permanent end of the war. Let me say that again, a permanent end of the war,” Biden said. “There are a number of details to negotiate the move from phase one to phase two. But the plan says if negotiations take longer than six weeks, the cease-fire will continue as long as the negotiations continue.”

Fox News also reported that although intelligence on the hostages’ conditions remains limited, assessments suggest that most are alive. Before each release stage, Israel will receive updated information on their identities and health statuses. The International Red Cross will oversee their transfer from Gaza to Israel, ensuring their safety while addressing logistical challenges such as crowd control.

Upon entering Israel, hostages will undergo identity verification and initial questioning by Shin Bet and the IDF. Medical teams stationed at the border will provide immediate care, and those requiring further treatment will be airlifted to hospitals. After receiving necessary care, hostages will be reunited with their families.

Also on Wednesday, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY ) spoke on the Senate floor on the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. According to a statement sent to the media, Schumer said, “It is welcome news that there is an agreement that will free many of the hostages. A ceasefire is very good news for Israel, for America, for the Palestinian people, and particularly for the hostage families who have waited so long in agony. A ceasefire will reduce violence in Gaza and harm to innocent civilians. It couldn’t have happened without steadfast diplomacy and until the potency of Hamas was radically reduced. We will not rest until every hostage comes home.”

Also weighing on the controversial hostage deal was Sacha Roytman Dratwa, CEO of the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM). Dratwa said in a statement, “We are relieved that an agreement has been reached to free the Israeli hostages and look forward to seeing them reunited with their loved ones back home. For nearly 470 days, the hostages have endured unimaginable cruelty, with their fundamental human rights brutally denied to them by their Hamas captors. Hamas’ barbaric tactics, reducing innocent lives to macabre bargaining chips, stand in stark contrast to Israel’s unwavering commitment to humane values.

“While we are grateful to both the outgoing Biden and incoming Trump administrations for their efforts to broker this deal, we must note our deep concern over the imbalance of an equation where dozens of terrorists are exchanged for a single civilian or soldier.

“This agreement highlights Israel’s dedication to its citizens while exposing Hamas’ gross disregard for human decency and international law. The suffering of these hostages must serve as a call for the world to hold Hamas accountable for its crimes.”

Rabbi Moshe Hauer, Executive Vice President of the Orthodox Union, one of the largest Jewish organizations in the US, said upon learning of the ceasefire and hostage deal agreed to by Israel and Hamas, “God brings the isolated home, sets free those held captive with weeping and with song. (Psalm 68:7; Sanhedrin 22a.)” He continued by saying, “After close to 500 days of the unimaginable darkness of captivity, this long-awaited day leaves us with a confused jumble of feelings. We rejoice with the hostages who are being released, and we weep with those remaining in the hands of the Hamas monsters. We rejoice with the families reunited with their loved ones, and we weep with the many families left waiting.

We rejoice with the soldiers able to return to their families, homes, and daily lives, and we weep for those who will not. We rejoice with those whose heroic sacrifices have brought Israel outstanding successes, and we share the frustration of many of them that their mission remains incomplete.  We are infuriated by the trading of monstrous terrorists for innocent hostages, and we are fearful of the evil those monsters seek to unleash.   We are grateful that the new administration worked with the old to bring the necessary pressure to bear on Hamas, but we are incensed that the world has allowed this to go on for so long.

We are grateful to President Trump for moving quickly to bring freedom to many, but we will not forget for even a moment the many who remain.  There should still be hell to pay.”

The Israeli American Council also released a statement on the ceasefire and hostage deal.  “The Israeli-American Council (IAC) celebrates the release of these tortured captives and prays for the speedy return of the remaining 65 hostages. We thank Prime Minister Netanyahu, President Biden, President-Elect Trump and each leader’s team for winning the freedom of these children, women, and men.

Hamas is a ruthless terrorist organization bent on genocide against the Jewish people. Its acts of barbarous savagery on October 7, 2023, are crimes against humanity of the most shocking sort, and each of the 467 days since, during which Hamas has held—and continues to hold—innocent people hostage, is a war crime. Hamas must release all remaining captives at once and relinquish its tyrannical rule of Gaza. Israel retains the inalienable right to eliminate the genocidal threats facing the Jewish people, most urgently from the Islamic Republic of Iran and its proxies in Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen.

May our sisters and brothers in captivity and their families find comfort and strength, and we pray for the healing of those who at long last will again know the embrace of their loved ones.”

Amb. Ronald S. Lauder, president of the World Jewish Congress, released the following statement on the ceasefire and the hostage deal: “For 466 days, Israel has endured an intolerable position, forced into a fight not of its choosing but one of survival. The terror unleashed by Hamas on October 7th, should have left no room for moral ambiguity. Yet, for more than a year, the world capitulated to the values of a terrorist organization and failed to act decisively to end this nightmare.

Today’s announcement provides a glimmer of hope. If the agreement is implemented, 33 Israelis will return to their loved ones. A sense of joy will course through the veins of Israel and the Jewish people worldwide. And still, we cannot and will not rest until every remaining hostage is brought home.

This is not just Israel’s battle; it is a fight for the values of humanity itself. The international community must keep up the pressure on Hamas and refuse to again allow terror to reign over the Gaza Strip. Only when terrorism is eradicated and the rule of law and decency restored can Israelis and Palestinians begin to live side by side in lasting peace and security.

Today, we are grateful to those who brought about this agreement, and we insist that it by fully implemented. But we also redouble our commitment to a secure future for Israel and the region. The road ahead is steep, but we are steadfast in our belief that even in darkness, light can prevail.”

European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas lauded the development. “I welcome the ceasefire and hostage release agreement. This is a major, positive breakthrough towards ending the violence,” Kallas stated, emphasizing the importance of delivering on the agreement for hostages, their families, and the broader region.

Earlier, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani confirmed at a press conference that the ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas had been finalized. The Israel National News report noted the instrumental role Qatar played in mediating the agreement.

One critical aspect of the deal, reported by INN involves the gradual withdrawal of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from the Netzarim Corridor. The IDF’s mission for facilitating the return of hostages has been named “Wings of Freedom,” as stated on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office emphasized his firm stance in negotiations. It was reported by INN that Netanyahu’s strong insistence led to Hamas retracting its demand to alter IDF force deployment in the Philadelphi Corridor. However, officials acknowledged that several details of the agreement remained unresolved, expressing hope for their finalization later that evening.

The agreement also includes humanitarian measures. INN reported that Israel has agreed to double the number of aid trucks entering Gaza, increasing from 300 to 600 trucks daily. This provision aligns with international calls for addressing Gaza’s humanitarian needs amid ongoing hostilities.

Significant individual cases also surfaced during negotiations. INN highlighted that Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, held hostage by Hamas since 2014 and 2015 respectively, are expected to be released during the sixth week of the agreement.

The deal has drawn international attention, including from President-Elect Donald Trump.  Trump issued a statement celebrating the ceasefire as a victory, attributing the progress to his administration’s efforts and the influence of his electoral success. Trump also outlined plans for continued efforts to strengthen peace and prevent Gaza from serving as a terrorist haven. He emphasized his commitment to expanding the Abraham Accords and promoting “Peace Through Strength” in the region.

President-elect Donald Trump expressed his support for the recent ceasefire agreement and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas, describing it as an “EPIC ceasefire agreement.” According to Trump, the development is a direct result of his “Historic Victory in November,” which he claims demonstrated his administration’s intent to prioritize peace and the safety of American and allied citizens. “I am thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home to be reunited with their families and loved ones,” Trump declared in a statement, as reported by Israel National News (INN).

The President-elect emphasized the role of his National Security team, particularly Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, in achieving this agreement. Trump reiterated his commitment to ensuring Gaza “NEVER again becomes a terrorist safe haven” and pledged to continue fostering peace in the region through the principles of “Peace Through Strength.” INN noted that Trump highlighted this development as a stepping stone for expanding the Abraham Accords, framing the deal as “only the beginning of great things to come for America and indeed, the World.”

Trump also took to his Truth Social platform to confirm the breakthrough, writing, “WE HAVE A DEAL FOR THE HOSTAGES IN THE MIDDLE EAST. THEY WILL BE RELEASED SHORTLY. THANK YOU!” INN highlighted the enthusiasm surrounding his announcement as it signaled imminent progress in ending the ordeal for the hostages and their families.

Steve Witkoff, the incoming White House Special Envoy to the Middle East, credited a collaborative effort for the agreement’s success. Speaking to N12, Witkoff stated, “This deal has been reached thanks to many, and it illustrates that a policy of peace through strength wins.” Witkoff expressed gratitude to the Israeli negotiation team, Qatari and Egyptian mediators, the Biden administration, and most notably, Donald Trump. According to INN, Witkoff characterized Trump’s approach as pivotal in securing the deal.

As part of the preparations for the implementation of the deal, Israeli President Isaac Herzog held a meeting with Mirjana Spoljaric, President of the International Red Cross, and her team. During the meeting, Herzog underscored the mission’s significance and sensitivity. INN reported that the Red Cross team briefed Herzog on logistical challenges and ongoing efforts to facilitate the safe transfer of hostages.

Further details about the agreement emerged throughout the evening. Reuters reported that Israel has agreed to release 30 imprisoned terrorists for every civilian hostage Hamas frees and 50 imprisoned terrorists for every female soldier returned. This development came after a dispute over conditions in the Philadelphi Corridor was resolved, as confirmed to Kan News by Israeli officials at 6:48 p.m., INN noted.

Reports from Axios indicated that a senior U.S. official confirmed the deal’s finalization. Meanwhile, INN shared that Hamas had convened an emergency meeting to deliberate the terms of the agreement and issued a statement expressing its commitment to the Palestinian people. However, a senior diplomatic source revealed to INN that Hamas introduced last-minute demands, which were eventually negotiated.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum issued a heartfelt statement welcoming the potential return of hostages. “Each hostage represents hope and relief not only for their immediate family but for our entire community,” the forum stated. They emphasized the ongoing urgency of their mission, noting the more than 460 days their loved ones have endured captivity. While celebrating the agreement’s potential, they highlighted the tragic loss of 30 hostages murdered in captivity, emphasizing that the deal comes too late for those families. The forum reiterated their determination, stating, “We will not rest until we see the last hostage back home.”

CNN reported that a right-wing group representing some of the hostage families criticized the deal between Israel and Hamas – and called on members of the Israeli cabinet to resign rather than approve it.

“This is a deal that will effectively leave dozens of hostages behind and pave the way for the next massacre and additional hostages,” the Tikva (Hope) Forum said in a press release Wednesday. “This deal is dangerous, both for the kidnapped people who will remain in captivity and for the entire Jewish people.”

The deal must pass both the security cabinet and full government cabinet before coming into force, a senior Israeli official told CNN on Monday. The government must also allow time for opponents of the agreement to petition the Supreme Court, the official said.

The forum speaks for a right-wing coalition of relatives of hostages in Gaza, and since its formation has agitated against any form of ceasefire agreement that would include the release of terrorist prisoners from Israeli detention.

Speaking directly to Israeli politicians, the group urged them on Wednesday to “act to bring about a responsible deal that returns all of our loved ones in one fell swoop!”

In light of progress in negotiations, Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced that he was cutting short his diplomatic visit to Italy. Sa’ar had been engaged in high-level meetings with prominent Italian officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani and members of the Italy-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Association. Sa’ar’s visit also included efforts to strengthen Israel’s advocacy in Italy through meetings with influencers and local media. With negotiations advancing, Sa’ar has returned to Israel to participate in critical Security Cabinet discussions, INN reported.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a situational assessment with the Israeli negotiation team in Doha, as reported by INN. This session follows key developments in the hostage negotiations and aims to solidify Israel’s position on the emerging deal.

The INN report noted that representatives of both President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump would attend an anticipated statement by the Qatari Prime Minister on the deal. This bipartisan attendance highlights the agreement’s significance on the global stage and the collaborative effort behind it.

Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs provided additional details about the proposed deal. Fuchs confirmed that the agreement ensures the IDF’s continued presence in the Philadelphi Corridor and retains the option to resume military operations in Gaza if Hamas does not adhere to the deal’s subsequent stages. The plan, initially approved in May and endorsed by the U.S. in August, aims to maintain strategic control in Gaza while pursuing the overarching goals of dismantling Hamas and securing the return of all hostages.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer held discussions on Wednesday to assess the implications of the deal, INN reported. These talks reflect the government’s coordinated effort to address the complex facets of the agreement, balancing the urgent need for hostage recovery with broader security considerations.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu scheduled a situational assessment to discuss the status of the deal. As INN noted, the meeting is focused on Hamas’s verbal approval of the draft agreement, which, according to a Hamas source has not yet been formalized in writing. This delay has left Israeli officials and families of the hostages in a state of uncertainty.

One such family is the Bibas family, whose loved ones Kfir and Ariel are the youngest hostages held by Hamas. INN reported the family’s response to speculation that their relatives may be released in the agreement’s first phase. “We are aware of reports… but given our experience with disappointments, we consider nothing final until our loved ones cross the border,” the family stated. They called for sensitivity, urging people not to spread rumors or contact them during this critical time. Additionally, they appealed directly to Prime Minister Netanyahu to ensure the return of all hostages.

Despite optimism in some quarters, conflicting reports persist. The Prime Minister’s Office denied claims that Hamas had provided a definitive answer regarding the deal, countering reports such as one from I24News suggesting that Hamas had given a green light for the agreement. These discrepancies highlight the fragile nature of the negotiations, as reported by INN.

In response to concerns over the terms of the deal, a spokesman for the Prime Minister clarified that individuals responsible for the murder of the Fogel family would not be released as part of the agreement. This statement came amid broader public debate over the potential release of prisoners in exchange for hostages.

Looking ahead, Israel’s Security Cabinet is set to convene on Thursday morning to vote on the proposed deal, as reported by INN. This meeting will be pivotal in determining the finalization and implementation of the agreement, with all eyes on both Israeli and international stakeholders to see how the negotiations unfold.