Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, expressed optimism on Wednesday about advancing a deal to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
“There is a chance that this time we can really advance a hostage deal,” Katz said during a recent visit at Tel Nof Airbase. He added that the country’s ultimate goal is to bring the hostages home and that they are doing everything possible to achieve it.
His comments came as reports indicated renewed diplomatic efforts mediated by Egypt.
Hamas has reportedly softened its demands, no longer insisting on an end to the war or an Israeli withdrawal as conditions for a deal. Instead, the group is focused on allowing evacuees from northern Gaza to return home.
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Hamxs sources told i24NEWS that the group has dropped most of its demands for a Gaza ceasefire, no longer insisting on ending the war or an Israeli withdrawal, as long as northern Gaza evacuees can return home. This shift came after an agreement with Fatah to form a…
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According to Israeli media, a delegation led by Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar may visit Cairo for talks on Thursday, although conflicting reports suggest no travel is scheduled until Hamas responds to an Egyptian ceasefire proposal. Egyptian mediators have shared a revised plan with Hamas representatives, but a breakthrough has yet to be achieved.
In a recent development, an internal Hamas statement, reported by Reuters on Wednesday, claimed that Hamas had information suggesting Israel planned to carry out a hostage rescue operation similar to one conducted in Gaza’s Nuseirat camp in June. Hamas said they will neutralize the captives if such an operation took place.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has weighed in, warning Hamas via social media that it will face severe consequences if hostages are not released before his inauguration on January 20.
As of now, 97 hostages remain in Gaza, including the bodies of at least 35 individuals confirmed dead. In November, Hamas released 105 civilians during a brief truce, with earlier releases of four hostages. Israeli troops have rescued eight hostages alive, while 37 bodies have been recovered, including three civilians mistakenly killed by Israeli forces during escape attempts.
Hamas also holds two Israeli civilians and the bodies of two soldiers killed in 2014. Families of the hostages have criticized the Israeli government for not doing enough to secure their release, despite reassurances from officials that negotiations are ongoing.
