In an extraordinary early Wednesday morning vote, Israel’s cabinet endorsed an agreement aimed at securing the release of approximately 50 hostages who were kidnapped and taken to Gaza during the terror attack on October 7. Although not all the agreement’s details have been officially disclosed to the public, an Israeli government official, during a briefing with reporters the previous Tuesday, indicated that the deal is expected to result in the release of 50 Israeli citizens, predominantly women and children, in daily groups of 12-13 individuals. In exchange, Israel has committed to a ceasefire, lasting at least four days, marking the first ceasefire since the outbreak of the war. Additionally, Israel has agreed to release Palestinian women and minors from incarceration, enabling them to return to their homes, primarily in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. While a specific number has not been provided, Hebrew media reports suggest the figure to be approximately 150. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)