BREAKING: Israel and Hamas Reach Deal To Release 50 Hostages from Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Israel have agreed to a temporary cease-fire with Hamas as 50 hostages in Gaza are set to be freed. We also have reports that four of our clients are listed among the soon-to-be-released hostages. (As you know, we are representing the families of several of the hostages.)

Fox News reports:

The first of 50 hostages – including three Americans – are expected to be released from captivity in Gaza starting at 10 a.m. local time Thursday. The hostages are expected to be released in groups of 10-12 over the course of four days, if the cease-fire holds.

Fox News correspondent Jeff Paul reports that in previous releases, the hostages first went through a border crossing in the city of Rafah, at the southern end of the Gaza Strip, into Egypt.

They were then flown back to Israel to be evaluated at hospitals before talking to Israeli security forces about what they had seen and been through, according to Paul.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said “the release of every additional ten hostages will result in one additional day in the pause” in the fighting, which is currently expected to last four days.

The hostage release is focused on women, children, and the elderly. The Qatari government, who helped broker the agreement, will aid in the transfer, and the International Red Cross is being allowed to offer assistance. Sadly, it appears that many of the freed hostage children will be returning to Israel as orphans after their parents were murdered by Hamas. My heart goes out to these children.

Equally troubling are the circulating reports that Hamas doesn’t have control of all the hostages, of which Hamas claims to have 236–243 total. But keep in mind that you’re dealing with Hamas, a terrorist organization, as well as other terrorist groups. How much can you really trust them? I pray that the rest of the hostages are still alive, but I have my doubts.

We are gratified that four of our clients were listed among the soon-to-be-released hostages. Uriah Brodutch (age 4), Yuval Brodutch (age 8), and Ofri Brodutch (age 9) will be released alongside their mother, Hagar Brodutch. But thankful as we are for every hostage who will be released, we must keep increasing international pressure on Hamas to free ALL the hostages.

While there is a temporary cease-fire in Gaza, Israel will soon continue its objective to root out Hamas. They can’t allow future attacks to take place – Israel will not stop in its mission.

The ACLJ will have a team in Europe next month to demand that European leaders pledge their support to Israel and help bring the hostages home. We won’t rest until every hostage is safely home.

On a lighter note, the ACLJ took a bold step and embarked on a new, creative project unlike anything we’ve ever done before.

We’re tired of Hollywood exposing audiences to trash and corrupting our young people. So this Thanksgiving Day, we are releasing Jingle Smells, a heartwarming Christmas comedy that the whole family can enjoy.

This Thanksgiving, after you’ve had turkey and need something fun to do, gather the kids and grandparents alike and enjoy our fun family comedy with a powerful message – to find strength in Christ during the holiday season.

For more information about the movie and how to pre-order it, go to JingleSmells.movie right now.

We can’t defend the families of the hostages without your help. We are conducting our ACLJ Faith & Freedom Drive to raise funds to support our legal efforts. Donate today, and your gift will be doubled.

Today’s full Sekulow broadcast includes more analysis of the details of the hostage exchange and temporary cease-fire between Hamas and Israel. ACLJ Senior Advisor for National Security and Foreign Policy Ric Grenell also joined the broadcast to comment on the hostage release.