Colombo (News 1st) – A major U.S. newspaper has reported that Israel, the United States and Hamas have reached a tentative agreement for a five-day ceasefire to free dozens of women and children held hostage in Gaza. This has not been confirmed by Israel, Hamas or the White House.

The Washington Post said that as part of the detailed, six-page agreement, all parties would freeze combat operations for at least five days while at least 50 hostages would be released in small groups every 24 hours.

It was not clear when the ceasefire would begin.

About 240 hostages were taken by Hamas during its Oct. 7 attack in Israel that killed 1,200 people.

Over 12,000 people have been killed in Israel's retaliatory attacks in Gaza, where heavy ground fighting is now raging.

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