US President-elect Donald Trump has announced that Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement on the release of hostages and stated that the captured Israelis will soon be freed.

Source: Trump’s post on his social media platform Truth Social on Wednesday, 15 January, as reported by European Pravda

Quote: "We have a deal for the hostages in the Middle East. They will be released shortly." 

Details:Trump became the first leader to confirm the agreement.

Shortly before Trump’s statement, US media reported that Israel and Hamas had reached an agreement to cease hostilities in Gaza and exchange Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners.

CNN reported that the deal – yet to be officially announced – includes Hamas and affiliated militant groups releasing 33 hostages captured during the attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023. In return, Israel is expected to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

Once the agreement is confirmed, Palestinian civilians are expected to return to northern Gaza, and a large influx of humanitarian aid will be allowed into the region, which has been grappling with dire humanitarian conditions.

A ceasefire is also anticipated, although no official announcement has been made yet.

Background:

• On 11 January, Trump’s future Middle East envoy arrived in Israel to facilitate a deal for the release of hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza.
• Representatives from the Biden administration also participated in the negotiations, maintaining contact with Trump’s team.
• Trump had previously stated his aim to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and a hostage release agreement before his inauguration on 20 January 2025.

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