Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz told the families of hostages still in captivity on Friday that negotiations were ongoing and there was a greater chance than ever of reaching a deal on the hostages.
He made statements similar to those of his American counterpart, Lloyd Austin, this week.
A report published Friday by media outlet KAN also cited Palestinian sources as saying Hamas was ready to reach a hostage release and ceasefire deal. The report also cited an Israeli source as saying there was progress toward a gradual release of the hostages. The agreement currently being discussed between the parties includes the release of some hostages, while, according to foreign sources, there are plans to release the remaining female hostages first.
The mediators believe that if a limited agreement is indeed reached, with the release of the hostages, it will create momentum that will ultimately result in a comprehensive agreement including the release of all hostages, an end to the war and the withdrawal of Israeli forces, including including the Philadelphia corridor, adds the KAN report.
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