Gaza ceasefire: 13 Israeli hostages to be freed as four-day truce begins
The IndependentFor free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thirteen Israeli hostages will be released from Gaza today at the start of a four-day truce that Qatar called a “catalyst for long-term peace” and a “glimmer of light at the end of tunnel”. “The only way forward is for a ‘proof of concept’ of peace to happen through this deal: for people to go home to their families and for the pressure to mount on both sides, to show that talking can get you results on the ground.” open image in gallery The view from the Israeli side of the border with the Gaza Strip on Thursday, showing the impact of Israeli strikes “If we are able to create the necessary momentum through the release of the civilians this will make negotiations over the rest of the hostages easier,” Mr Al-Ansari said. open image in gallery A woman and child flee an Israeli strike in Rafah in southern Gaza on Thursday One diplomatic source said the Israelis believe that Hamas only has direct access to 80 hostages, Palestinian Islamic Jihad is holding between 30 and 40, leaving the whereabouts, and so fate, of over 100 hostages uncertain. Alongside the releases will be a much-needed pause in hostilities and the delivery of aid, which Mr Al-Ansari said was vital as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza was “unparalleled in the world”.