The Israel-Hamas hostage deal: Unraveling the Facts

Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire and the release of some hostages held by the militant group in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. This breakthrough comes after extensive negotiations with international mediators and represents the first significant de-escalation in the conflict, which began on October 7 with deadly attacks by Hamas on Israel.

Since then, more than 12,000 people have died in Gaza since Israel began airstrikes on the enclave, according to Palestinian authorities.

Heres what we know so far.

Whats in the deal?

The deal will see the release of 50 women and children held captive in Gaza by Hamas, according to Qatar, which mediated negotiations between Israel and the militant group.

Israel has agreed to a "humanitarian pause" in its attack on the enclave and the release of some Palestinian prisoners. Hamas announced that 150 women and children held in Israeli prisons will be released. The agreement also allows for the entry of hundreds of trucks carrying aid relief, medical supplies, and fuel into Gaza, a statement that aligns with Qatar's details.

Israel announced that the ceasefire would last for four days but indicated that it could potentially be extended for additional days based on the release of hostages. Qatar stated that the start of the ceasefire would be announced within 24 hours.

Which hostages are being freed?

The identities of the hostages set for release have not been disclosed. Nevertheless, Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus, spokesperson for the Israeli military, stated that they all hold Israeli citizenship, with some also holding dual nationality.

US President Joe Biden stated that the agreement "will result in the safe return of more American hostages." Among the four hostages released earlier in the conflict were Judith Tai Raanan and her 17-year-old daughter, Natalie Raanan.

How did the agreement come together?

According to the Israeli military, Hamas is currently holding 239 hostages in Gaza. The Israeli government has stated that more details of the release deal will be communicated to the families later today.

After weeks of negotiations involving the US and Egypt, a deal has been reached despite numerous delays due to ongoing fighting, including Israel's raid on Gaza's largest hospital. The approval of the deal hinged on a "tense and emotional" six-hour meeting of Israel's cabinet, which ultimately voted in favor of the agreement by a "significant majority" in the early hours of Wednesday morning, according to a source.

The agreement was also a response to increasing demands and pressure from the families of the hostages, who have been calling for accountability and decisive measures from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

What happens next in the war?

Multiple parties and families of hostages have voiced their optimism that this first agreement could set the stage for the release of all hostages, with Israel's president deeming it a "meaningful initial step."

The lead negotiator from Qatar has also implored the global community to "take advantage of this limited opportunity to create ongoing momentum for the diplomatic process," asserting that this was the sole path to resolving the conflict and securing enduring peace.

Israel has stated that it intends to resume its air and ground campaign on Gaza in order to completely eliminate Hamas once the current round of hostage releases is completed. Prime Minister Netanyahu has consistently emphasized that the two main objectives of the war are the safe return of all hostages and the dismantling of Hamas.

Netanyahu informed his cabinet on Tuesday that the approved agreement would enable the military to prepare for further fighting. He emphasized that the conflict would persist until Hamas and Gaza no longer posed a threat to Israel.

Reporting contributed by CNNs Jeremy Diamond, Tamar Michaelis, Becky Anderson, Mike Schwartz, Kareem El Damanhoury, Jennifer Hansler, Simone McCarthy, and Betsy Klein.