Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Friday that an agreement has been reached to secure the return of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. This comes after his office had reported earlier that there were final hurdles in completing a ceasefire agreement to end the 15-month-long conflict.
Netanyahu announced that he would convene his security Cabinet later that day, followed by a government meeting to approve the long-awaited deal, according to the Associated Press.
A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office highlighted Israel’s commitment to fulfilling all the objectives of the war, including the return of all hostages, whether alive or deceased.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas erupted on October 7, 2023, when militants from Gaza infiltrated Israel, killing more than 1,200 citizens and taking hundreds hostage. In response, Israeli airstrikes have led to over 46,000 Palestinian deaths.
