Qatar and France broker deal to get aid, medication to civilians, hostages in Gaza

Palestinians line up for a free meal in Rafah, Gaza Strip in December (Picture: AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)

Qatar and France have brokered a deal with Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas to deliver urgent medication to some 45 Israeli hostages held by the group in Gaza in return for humanitarian and medical aid for the most vulnerable civilians.

The two countries said the aid would leave Qatar for Egypt on Wednesday before being taken across the Rafah border crossing.