Preparations have started for the return of the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza for 467 days, the Israel Defense Forces announced following President-elect Donald Trump’s confirmation that a deal had been reached in Qatar.
The name given to the preparations is “Operation Wings of Freedom,” or “Kanfei Dror” in Hebrew, the IDF said in a statement.
Trump announced on Wednesday that Israel and Hamas had agreed to a ceasefire and hostage release deal during talks in Doha.
“This epic ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our historic victory in November, as it signaled to the entire world that my administration would seek peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans and our allies,” Trump wrote in a statement.
An Israeli source told the country’s Channel 12 News that the terrorist organization committed to the deal in writing, and Al Jazeera reported that a Hamas delegation, led by senior official Khalil al-Hayya, delivered the formal approval to mediators in Qatar and Egypt.
Preparations are reportedly underway in Jerusalem to convene the Security Cabinet, which consists of senior ministers, and the full government to approve the agreement on Thursday at 11 a.m.
