Hamas officially approves temporary cease-fire agreement with Israel

Israeli soldiers work on armored military vehicles along Israel's border with the Gaza Strip, in southern Israel, on Monday, Nov. 20. (AP/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Hamas said it has approved the temporary cease-fire agreement with Israel that includes the release of hostages.

"Based on our responsibility towards our patient and stationed Palestinian people, and our tireless efforts to strengthen the steadfastness of our heroic people in the proud Gaza Strip, and to provide relief and heal their wounds, and in pursuit of consolidating the will of our victorious resistance on the October 7th [event] against the Zionist enemy, and after negotiations for many days, we announce, with the help and success of God Almighty, that We reached a humanitarian truce agreement (temporary cease-fire) for a period of four days, with diligent and appreciated Qatari and Egyptian efforts," the terrorist group wrote in a statement.

"The terms of this agreement were formulated according to a vision that aims to serve our people and strengthen their steadfastness in the face of aggression, and always pay attention to their sacrifices, suffering and concerns," the statement added. "At the time when we announce the arrival of a truce agreement, we affirm that our victorious brigades and all our resistance factions will remain the protective shield and defender of our people until the occupation and aggression are defeated."

Hamas concluded, "We promise our people that we will remain loyal to their blood, their sacrifices, their patience, their bond, and their aspirations for liberation, freedom, the restoration of rights, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital, with God’s will."