Follow
the podcast on
![Families and friends of about 240 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza call for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to bring them home. Photo / AP](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/media/e44h40z3/families-and-friends-of-about-240-hostages-held-by-hamas-in-gaza-call-for-israeli-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-to-bring-them-home.jpg?rmode=crop&v=1da1d6c1130b850&height=395&quality=95&scale=both)
Domestic pressure in Israel is said to be the driving factor behind the hostage deal.Â
Israel's cabinet has agreed to a four day pause in fighting in exchange for the release of 50 women and child hostages taken by Hamas on October 7th.Â
It's believed there are around 200 Israeli hostages. Â
The agreement also includes Israel releasing 150 Palestinian prisoners. Â
International geopolitical analyst Geoffrey Miller told Kate Hawkesby that hostage families have mounted a high profile "bring them home" campaign.Â
He says Israeli public opinion has turned, with 54% in favour of some sort of prisoner swap deal.Â
LISTEN ABOVEÂ
Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you