JERUSALEM: Israel is now extra optimistic about a possible hostage deal in Gaza, Overseas Minister Gideon Saar stated on Monday (Dec 9), amid studies that Hamas had requested for lists of all hostages nonetheless held by militant teams within the Palestinian enclave.
He stated oblique negotiations have 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 might be extra optimistic than earlier than however we aren’t there but. I hope we will likely 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 preventing.
“There won’t be a ceasefire in Gaza with no hostage deal,” he stated.
A Palestinian official with data of the mediation effort stated Hamas had requested different factions in Gaza to begin itemizing the names of Israeli and international hostages of their custody, whether or not lifeless or alive.
The official gave no additional particulars of the mediation effort however stated the mediators, backed by the US, had stepped up contacts with Israel and Hamas.
Hamas officers declined speedy remark.
An official of a militant group allied with Hamas expressed hope that talks might 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 individuals, in keeping with 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.
Either side accuses the opposite of standing in the best way of a deal however Saar stated Hamas’ earlier place “may need modified throughout current occasions”.
“So if each events are eager about an settlement, there’s a higher probability it is going to be achieved,” he stated.
Israeli strikes throughout Gaza continued in a single day and on Monday, medics stated. One strike killed a minimum of 4 individuals 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 a minimum of 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 jap space of the camp early on Monday, forcing some residents to flee their houses.