Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement. Netanyahu announced that the first hostages will be released on January 19.
The Office of the Prime Minister of Israel states that the release of hostages under the agreement with Hamas will commence without delays. The first hostages are expected to be freed on January 19.
This was reported by RBK-Ukraine citing a statement from the Israeli government.
"In accordance with the decision of the military-political cabinet and the government, as well as the entry into force of the agreement, the release of hostages may take place as early as Sunday, as planned," the statement reads.
The agreement between Israel and Hamas is anticipated to be approved on the evening of January 18. After the government's approval of the agreement, the Israeli Supreme Court may still review appeals regarding certain elements of the agreement, but it is expected that they will not intervene.
It is worth noting that on Sunday, January 19, the release of three hostages is expected.
Agreement Between Israel and Hamas
Recall that on January 15, Israel and Hamas, with the involvement of mediators, reached an agreement regarding the Gaza Strip. The agreement paves the way for a ceasefire.
The mediators between Israel and the Hamas group were the USA, Qatar, and Egypt.
It is assumed that under the agreement, Hamas will gradually release Israeli hostages. In the first phase, which will last 42 days, the terrorists are to release 33 individuals, including women, children, the elderly, and the sick.
The second phase involves the release of other prisoners, while the third phase concerns the return of the bodies of hostages.
The Israeli Security Cabinet must approve the agreement with Hamas. Yesterday, January 16, the Israeli Prime Minister's office announced that the meeting was postponed because Hamas withdrew from some agreements. However, the group itself denies these accusations.
For more details about the agreement between Israel and Hamas and what it entails, see the material by RBK-Ukraine.