Washington : The Israeli government voted to approve a hostage exchange with Hamas, the government said in a statement early Wednesday local time. At least 50 women and children hostages will be released over four days, the statement said, during which there will be a pause in fighting. Before the deal was approved, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said “the war will continue” even after a deal.

Hamas said on Telegram that it had agreed to a “humanitarian truce,” citing Qatar’s efforts as an intermediary. The exchange will involve the release of 150 women and children from Israeli prisons, Hamas said.

The Israeli government has approved a hostage exchange with Hamas, the government said in a statement early Wednesday in Israel.

“Tonight, the government approved the outline for the first stage,” the Israeli government said in a statement. At least 50 women and children hostages will be released over four days, the statement said, during which there will be a pause in fighting. The release of every 10 additional hostages will result in an additional day of a pause in the assault, the government said.