MSNBC and other news sources are reporting that the full Israeli cabinet is meeting to discuss a proposed hostage deal. The deal would require Hamas to release 50 women and children hostages, in exchange for a four-to-five day pause in fighting and the release of three Palestinian prisoners for every hostage released. Hamas also wants a temporary ban on drones flying over Gaza, so Israel won’t be able to see where they were keeping the hostages.
President Biden reportedly played a role in the deal, getting better terms for Israel. Netayahu said Biden got them “more hostages at a lower price.”
The cabinet is expected to approve the deal (though it could all still fall apart). If they do, the families of the victims of the Palestinian prisoners would have the right to challenge their release. However, Israeli courts have never blocked high profile deals like this.
There’s speculation that if this deal happens, it will be difficult for Israel to resume the war. If 50 hostages are released, the families of the others will want their loved ones released, too. Some see this as a chance a real cease-fire; others see it as Israel caving to Hamas. Netanyahu it won’t happen; the war is not over, even if this deal is reached.