November 22, Wednesday, 2023

1. Hamas and Israel say they’ve agreed to a four-day pause in the fighting in exchange for hostages. Qatar, which mediated the deal, confirmed Wednesday the four-day pause was in exchange for 50 hostages. Hamas also said Israel will free around 150 jailed Palestinians. Both sides say they will release women and children.
2. US President Joe Biden has welcomed the agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic group Hamas on a pause in the fighting and the release of some hostages. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Biden thanked Qatar Amir Sheikh Tamin Bin Hamad Al Thani and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi for “their critical leadership and partnership in reaching this deal.” 3. The US Geological Survey says a magnitude 6.7 earthquake has occurred off the Vanuatu Islands. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center says small tsunami waves have been observed in the area. No tsunami warning has been issued.