What to Know About Hostage Deal Reached Between Israel and Hamas

Hamas has agreed to a deal that includes a ceasefire and the release of the hostages being held in Gaza .

The deal includes an initial six-week ceasefire and 33 hostages being released in phase one.

President Joe Biden announced the deal Wednesday afternoon .

The president-elect has called it “ EPIC ” and pledged that his administration will continue to work closely with Israel and our allies to make sure Gaza never again becomes a terrorist safe haven.

Aviva Siegel has been waiting for her husband’s release since she was set free from captivity in November 2023 .

An additional 61 hostages will remain in Gaza , about half of whom are believed to be dead.

Rep. Mike Waltz , R-Fla., whom Trump has tapped to serve as his national security adviser, told CNN that the incoming administration has “made it very clear to our ally Israel that if Hamas reneges on any parts of this deal, we are with them, and Hamas will be destroyed.