12:00 am ET, November 22, 2023
Qatar issues statement on hostage deal and “humanitarian moratorium”.
From CNN’s Becky Anderson in Doha
Qatar, which played a key mediating role in the talks between Israel and Hamas, has released its own statement announcing an “agreement for a humanitarian ceasefire”.
In accordance with the previous declarations of both Hamas And this Israeli governmentA statement from Qatar’s foreign ministry said the ceasefire would last four days, with the possibility of an extension.
It said the start of the suspension would be announced within 24 hours.
What’s in the contract: The deal also secured the release of 50 civilian women and children currently held in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian women and children held in Israeli prisons.
The statement did not specify how many Palestinians would be freed, but noted that the number would increase as long as the cease-fire agreement remains in place.
It also said the moratorium would allow for “a large number of humanitarian convoys and relief aid, including fuel designated for humanitarian needs”.
Israel has been very reluctant to allow fuel into Gaza since October 7, and only agreed over the weekend to allow minimal supplies to sewage facilities and water supply systems.
The statement said Qatar was committed to “ongoing diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions, stop the bloodshed and protect civilians” and paid tribute to Egypt and the United States for helping to conclude the deal.
