Israeli justice ministry says the Palestinian prisoners and detainees will be released as part of truce’s first phase, under which Hamas is to free 33 hostages
News of the ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas has been greeted with joy by Palestinians but a more wary approach in Israel, where demonstrators both in favour and against the deal have taken to the streets, Bethan McKernan and Quique Kierszenbaum report.
Israel’s stated objectives in the 15-month war in Gaza, which was triggered by the Hamas attack of 7 October 2023, are to completely destroy the militant group and to bring the remaining 100 or so hostages home. For many, the compromises made this week in Qatar to get the deal over the line are seen as a betrayal, but for differing reasons.
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