JERUSALEM: Israel is now extra optimistic about a possible hostage deal in Gaza, International Minister Gideon Saar stated on Monday (Dec 9), amid experiences that Hamas had requested for lists of all hostages nonetheless held by militant teams within the Palestinian enclave.
He stated oblique negotiations had been underway in regards to the return of about 100 hostages and that, whereas it was nonetheless too early to make certain, prospects had improved.
“We may be extra optimistic than earlier than however we aren’t there but. I hope we will probably be there,” Saar informed a press convention in Jerusalem, reiterating Israel’s place that the hostages nonetheless held in Gaza have to be returned earlier than Israel agrees an finish to the combating.
“There is not going to be a ceasefire in Gaza with out a hostage deal,” he stated.
A Palestinian official with information of the mediation effort stated Hamas had requested different factions in Gaza to begin itemizing the names of Israeli and overseas hostages of their custody, whether or not useless or alive.
The official gave no additional particulars of the mediation effort however stated the mediators, backed by the USA, had stepped up contacts with Israel and Hamas.
Hamas officers declined fast remark.
An official of a militant group allied with Hamas expressed hope that talks may result in a deal.
Hamas gunmen took over 250 hostages again to Gaza after their assault on Israel on Oct 7, 2023, which killed some 1,200 folks, based on Israeli tallies. Over 44,700 Palestinians have been killed within the Israeli offensive on Gaza that adopted, Gaza well being authorities say.
Some hostage households voiced cautious optimism after assembly Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday. Netanyahu informed them the time had come for a hostage deal, the Hostages and Lacking Households Discussion board stated.
Both sides accuses the opposite of standing in the way in which of a deal however Saar stated Hamas’ earlier place “may need modified throughout current occasions”.
“So if each events are all for an settlement, there’s a higher probability will probably be achieved,” he stated.
Israeli strikes throughout Gaza continued in a single day and on Monday, medics stated. One strike killed not less than 4 folks close to Jabalia camp on the northern fringe of the enclave, they stated.
In Rafah, close to the southern Gaza border with Egypt, well being officers stated rescue groups have recovered not less than 11 our bodies of Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes in a single day and on Monday.
Residents of Al-Maghazi camp within the central Gaza Strip stated some Israeli tanks pushed into the japanese space of the camp early on Monday, forcing some residents to flee their properties.
