Israel and Hamas move closer to agreeing hostage release deal, say officials
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The news: The US and Qatar have signalled that they have made progress in securing a deal to release a significant number of civilian hostages held by Hamas.
The numbers: Around 239 people from 26 different countries are still being held by Hamas in the besieged Gaza Strip, including some dual nationals, while four have been released to date. Negotiators are closer to agreeing the release of an initial 50 civilians in exchange for Israel allowing in more aid and a limited pause in fighting, multiple sources told CBS News.
The context: Any deal over hostages would be the first de-escalatory step since Hamas launched an assault on Israel on 7 October. It has become a politically sensitive issue for Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as families of the captives mount pressure on his government to do more to secure their freedom.
What they said: US deputy national security adviser Jonathan Finer said Washington believed it was “closer than we have been to reaching a final agreement." He added that areas of difference that “previously existed have been narrowed”.
On Sunday Qatari prime minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani told reporters that “there has been good progress in the past few days”. He noted that minor obstacles were preventing a deal being reached.
The sources: Financial Times, CBS News
