The Israeli government approved an agreement early Wednesday that provides for the release of 50 Hamas hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners and a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, according to an official statement.

“The government has approved the broad outlines of the first phase of an agreement, under which at least 50 kidnapped people (women and children) will be released for four days, during which there will be a lull in the fighting,” the statement said. sent to AFP.

About 240 people were kidnapped during the bloody attack by the Palestinian movement Hamas on October 7According to Israeli authorities, 1,200 people, mainly civilians, were also killed.

Israel responded with an offensive against the Gaza Strip, controlled by this Islamist group, which has killed more than 14,000 people, including thousands of children, according to the Hamas Health Ministry.

Sources close to the negotiations have stated this AFP That The 50 hostages held by Hamas will be exchanged for 150 Palestinians imprisoned in Israel.

Once this pact expires, the Israeli government has declared that it will continue the war to “destroy” the Palestinian movement.

“The Israeli government, Israeli army and security forces will continue the war to return all abductees, eliminate Hamas and ensure that there is no threat to the State of Israel from Gaza.“, he wrote in the statement. (JO)