Israel and Hamas close to deal that would free 50 women and children hostages: report

About 50 women and children being held against their will by Hamas could be freed under a deal that is near completion, according to the Washington Post's report.

The Post reported Saturday evening that the agreement "would free dozens of women and children held hostage in Gaza, in exchange for a five-day pause in fighting."

"The release, which could begin within the next several days — barring last-minute hitches — could lead to the first sustained pause in conflict in Gaza, according to people familiar with its provisions," the Post has reported. "Under the terms of a detailed, six-page agreement, all parties to the conflict would freeze combat operations for at least five days while an initial 50 or more of what are believed to be a total 239 hostages are released in batches every 24 hours. Overhead surveillance would monitor movement on the ground to police the pause."

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The report continues:

"The stop in fighting is also intended to allow a significant increase in the amount of humanitarian assistance, including fuel, to enter the besieged enclave from Egypt."

You can read the full report right here.