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Israeli negotiators say hostage deal could be imminent, with Hamas for final approval

Bibi and Biden discuss hostage release as Israeli officials display cautious optimism

January 13, 2025 09:21
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ByJC Reporter, Jewish News Syndicate

2 min read

Israeli officials have expressed cautious optimism at the prospect of a hostage deal, telling Israeli media that they believe a deal is close to being done.

According to reports from Reuters, Israeli officials say that a final hostage deal has been submitted by Qatar to senior Hamas officials for final approval. 

A breakthrough is believed to have been reached last night between Qatari mediators, the Israeli negotiators, and President-Elect Trump’s Middle East envoy. 

According to an outline published by Saudi outlet Al Arabiya, under the terms of the phased agreement Israel is to withdraw from specific areas of Gaza over 42 days, increase humanitarian aid and eventually withdraw fully from Gaza. The agreement also includes the release of 50 Palestinian terrorists serving life sentences and the exchange of 50 female prisoners for each Israeli woman released.