A four-day ceasefire deal brokered between Israel and Hamas, which was originally due to commence on Nov. 23 (Thanksgiving) in exchange for the release of 50 Jewish hostages, according to various media reports, has since gone into effect. After sustained negotiations throughout the week, according to reporting by the Associated Press on Nov. 22, the hostages were due to be released on Friday, Nov 24. Some aid agencies said a four-day cessation of violence was too short a timeframe to provide the humanitarian support needed in the region. Meanwhile, on Friday, AP reported that Hamas freed just 24 Jewish hostages in exchange for 39 Palestinian prisoners under the latest agreed deal.