Israel-Hamas War Flash Report 21 NOV 2023 - 17:50 PST - Temporary Cease-Fire Agreement Almost Reached

Update: Reports are coalescing around the cease-fire lasting for four days, but the full details have still not been released. Reports that the number of hostages to be released is 42 have been walked back with tight alignment that it will be 50 or slightly more.

The three-person Israeli War Cabinet led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to a hostage for prisoner and fuel deal that includes a 4 to 5-day cease-fire. Families of hostages and several other groups who hold an interest have 24 hours to file an appeal with the Supreme Court of Israel, which could delay or fully block the decision.

The United States and Qatar brokered the deal, and it has been approved by Hamas leadership. It is important to note that Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Lion's Den, and other factions were not part of the negotiations. It is also important to note that beyond bad optics and international outrage, there is nothing in International Humanitarian Law that binds a combatant to honor a cease-fire agreement.

The specifics of the deal have not been released, and we've refrained from coverage or speculation on a looming agreement due to the sensitivity of the negotiations. Numerous reports indicate the cease-fire will approximately include:

• The transfer of approximately 50 hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, likely women and children, to Israel
• The release of approximately 150 Palestinian prisoners, likely only women and children in custody for non-terrorism/non-violent crimes, held by Israel
• Increased fuel deliveries during the cease-fire
• The cessation of hostilities for four to five days
• Permission for the International Committee of the Red Cross to visit and examine all other hostages held by Hamas

That's all that we know at this time.

As noted on our Threads today and before this announcement, under International Humanitarian Law, there is no set legal definition for humanitarian pause versus cease-fire.