The temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas will begin at 7 tomorrow morning, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry announced, while both Israel and Hamas confirmed the development.

Speaking at a press conference in Doha, a ministry spokesman said the first group of hostages would be handed over at 4pm.

Dr Majed al Ansari said the first group would consist of 13 people and priority would be given to families.

In particular, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar stated that the start of the pause will be at 7 am on Friday, November 24 and it will last as agreed for four days.”

“The first group of civilians to be released from Gaza will be around 4 p.m. of the same day. They will be 13 in number, women and children only while the hostages of the same families will be gathered in the same group.”

Said that meetings between the two sides went “very well” and continued until the early hours of this morning.

Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesman in Doha said they were unable to discuss for security reasons where the hostages would be released, but said the Red Cross would be involved.

He said that Israel will also release Palestinian prisoners tomorrow after the release of the hostages. He did not specify how many Palestinians held by Israel would be released in the first instance.

As for humanitarian aid, he said it would be allowed into the Palestinian enclave from 7 a.m. and expected it to be delivered “as soon as possible” from the Rafah border crossing with Egypt.

“It will be a fraction of the aid needed in Gaza. The need is so great in Gaza,” Dr al-Ansari added.

Referring to the reasons for the delay in the agreement entering into force, the Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman said that Gaza is a war zone and the delay in the plan was to ensure security everywhere.

He said the lineups and release times have only been agreed for the first day, and that details for the following days will be announced as the process progresses.

He says it’s important to keep the lines of communication open. It says the truce is a cessation of all hostilities and could be broken by any resumption of hostilities as stipulated.

He said he believes they have reached a point now where they are ready to move forward and there should be no further delays.

Israel and Hamas confirm

Hamas’ military wing confirms ceasefire will come into effect tomorrow morning and will last 4 days.

“In four days, 50 hostages will be released,” says the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, also confirming reports from Israel that three Palestinian prisoners will be released in exchange for each Israeli hostage.

And the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahuafter Qatar’s announcement confirms that Israel has received an “initial” list of names of abductees expected to be released.

“Relevant officials are checking the details of the list and are currently in contact with all families,” the statement said.