Hamas is a Palestinian armed group and political movement in the Gaza Strip. On 7 October 2023 it attacked Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages. This triggered a massive Israeli military offensive in Gaza, which has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians.

Under the terms of the deal, Hamas will release 33 hostages over a period of 42 days, including women, children, the sick, and men over the age of 55. Three of these hostages will be released the first day, another four on the second day, then three at a time in each week, with the final 14 released on the final week.