A deal between Israel and Hamas, brokered by Qatar, for the release of hostages and a multi-day ceasefire is in the “final stages” and is “closer than ever”, a source with knowledge of the talks told Reuters today.
The agreement will involve the release of approximately 50 civilians held hostage by Hamas and the release of Palestinian women and children held by Israel, the source said.
The deal will mark the largest release of hostages and the first exchange of them for Palestinian prisoners since the war began on October 7.
Hamas took about 240 hostages during its raid on Israel, where Israeli authorities say 1,200 people were killed.
The head of Hamas told Reuters earlier today that the Palestinian Islamist group is close to a truce deal with Israel, even as the deadly attack on Gaza continues and rockets are fired at Israel.
Israel has generally avoided commenting on the situation in the talks brokered by Qatar. Israel’s Channel 12 TV station reported that an unnamed senior government source said it was “close” without giving further details.
“I hope there will be good news soon”Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on the issue of hostages.
“We’re making progress” in efforts to return the hostages held in Gaza, he added.
The article A breath of fresh air from the release of 50 Hamas hostages – Netanyahu: “Soon we will have good news” was published on Fourals.com.