Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a deal to release hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, alongside a ceasefire agreement to pause 15 months of conflict. The Israeli government is set to approve the agreement after resolving last-minute disputes.

BulletsIn

• Israeli PM Netanyahu confirmed a deal to release hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
• Agreement includes a ceasefire, allowing displaced Palestinians to return to Gaza.
• The war, ongoing since October 7, 2023, has resulted in over 1,200 Israeli and 46,000 Palestinian deaths.
• The deal faced delays over disputes about troop deployment in Gaza’s Philadelphi corridor.
• Hamas denied allegations of reneging on terms, stating commitment to the ceasefire.
• Far-right Israeli coalition partners oppose the deal; a minister threatened to quit if approved.
• US President Biden and Qatar played key roles in brokering the agreement.
• Israeli airstrikes killed at least 72 people in Gaza on Thursday despite ceasefire negotiations.