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Israel ‘optimistic’ about prospect of hostage deal

Reports that Israel and Hamas are exchanging a list of names for hostage release

December 9, 2024 15:16
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Hostage release talks have been revitalised with Israel saying the prospect of a deal is 'more optimistic than before' (Photo by Amir Levy/Getty Images)
2 min read

Israel is said to be "more optimistic than before" about the chance of reaching an agreement over the hostages, amid reports that Hamas had asked for lists of all the hostages still held by terror groups in Gaza.

Mediated negotiations between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire in Gaza that would include the release of hostages have advanced to the point where the sides are discussing lists of those who would be released, according to a Monday report.

Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Saar said indirect negotiations were taking place over the return of 100 hostages held in Gaza. Saar said: "We can be more optimistic than before but we are not there yet. I hope we will be there.

"There will not be a ceasefire in Gaza without a hostage deal,” the minister told a press conference in Jerusalem