The agreement marks the first significant progress in indirect talks between Israel and Hamas since December, when a short-lived ceasefire collapsed.
In a statement on Tuesday, Doha announced a deal "between Israel and [Hamas], where medicine along with other humanitarian aid is to be delivered to civilians in Gaza ... in exchange for delivering medication needed for Israeli captives in Gaza".
Hamas militants took about 250 people hostage during the 7 October attacks that prompted the conflict.
About 132 are still in Gaza, with at least 27 of those believed to have been killed.
Despite the deal, there appeared to be little relief for civilians in Gaza as the Israeli offensive continued.
Though airstrikes and bombardment are reportedly less intense than weeks ago, in recent days there has been intense fighting in the north and continued attacks across the territory. The Palestinian health ministry reported early yesterday that another 81 people had been killed in overnight strikes in Gaza, while a military field hospital set up by the Jordanian army in the southern city of Khan Younis was reportedly badly damaged by Israeli shelling.
More than 1,200 people were killed in the 7 October attacks by Hamas in Israel, most of them civilians. Israel's offensive has killed at least 24,285 people, mostly women and children, according to Palestinian authorities.
This story is from the January 18, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
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This story is from the January 18, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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