After being kidnapped by Hamas on October 7 and transported to Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that “we are making progress” towards the release of the captives.
A “truce agreement” between Hamas and Israel is imminent, according to the group’s head, which raised hopes for a respite in hostilities that would result in the release of hostages.
The humanitarian group ICRC has been holding meetings with Hamas leaders, which has heightened hopes even more. ICRC assisted in earlier hostage negotiations.
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According to a mediator from Qatar, negotiations are “closest point” to a resolution since the war started, and the US has mentioned brief pauses in hostilities to allow hostages to be released safely.
The Israeli military claims to have encircled the northern city of Jabalia, yet violence in Gaza continues unabated.
Israel’s campaign has claimed the lives of 13,300 Palestinians, including almost 5,000 children, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.
After Hamas militants breached the border on October 7 and killed 1,200 people while kidnapping over 200 more, Israel started striking Gaza, which is administered by Hamas.
