'Agreement Reached On Deal To Release Hostages' Held By Hamas: Israel PM Netanyahu, Political-Security Cabinet To Convene

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Friday (17 January), that an agreement had been reached to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.

In a statement, Netanyahu’s office confirmed, “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was informed by the negotiating team that agreements have been reached on a deal to release the hostages.”

The Prime Minister has directed the political-security cabinet to convene later in the day to deliberate on and potentially approve the agreement. The government will also meet to finalise its stance on the deal.

Netanyahu’s office disclosed that families of the hostages had been notified, and preparations were underway to welcome them upon their return.

The statement also highlighted allegations made against Hamas, accusing the group of attempting to “extort last-minute concessions” by reneging on key parts of the agreement. Hamas has denied these accusations.

“The Prime Minister ordered the political-security cabinet to convene Friday. The government will then convene to approve the deal,” the statement added.

If approved, the agreement would initiate a truce starting Sunday, facilitating an exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. The terms of a permanent ceasefire are expected to be finalised subsequently.

The breakthrough comes after mediation efforts led by Qatar and the United States, who announced progress on Wednesday (15 January).