Israeli and foreign sources involved in the negotiations told Kan News that “Hamas is closer than ever to an agreement, and is seeking a ceasefire, even if temporary.” The terrorist group reportedly feels isolated after the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon and the blows to Hezbollah, as well as under pressure from mediators following the change of government in the United States. The agreement currently at the heart of the discussions provides for the release of women, the wounded, the elderly and the sick, described as “humanitarian”. A Hamas source told pro-Qatari newspaper “Al-Arabi Al-Jadid” that a delegation from the organization was expected to arrive in Cairo on Sunday, after the group's leaders held talks with Qatari and Turkish officials.
Hamas released a video of hostage Matan Tzangauker on Saturday. In the recording, Matan addresses Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying: “Don't abandon us, we are still alive and want to return safely.”
The pro-Saudi newspaper A-Sharq Al-Awsat reported this morning, citing Palestinian sources, that Hamas has begun taking steps to verify the number of living Israeli hostages held by the organization and other terrorist groups. in Gaza. Hamas leaders have reportedly contacted several of these hostage-holding groups with a view to a possible imminent deal.
Yesterday, Kan News revealed that a senior member of the negotiating team met this week with families of hostages, telling them that the political level refuses to discuss the end of the war in Gaza. The families expressed pessimism, fearing that Israeli insistence on continuing the war would prevent Hamas from agreeing to a comprehensive deal.
Of the 251 civilians and soldiers kidnapped during the October 7 terrorist attack, in addition to the four citizens and soldiers kidnapped by Hamas over the past decade, 117 hostages were released alive. 74 were murdered or killed, 38 bodies returned for burial in Israel – 100 people remain in captivity.
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