Israelis attend an event in memory of those killed in the October 7 Massacre and to remember the hostages still held captive by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, October 6, 2024. (Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)
Both Israel and Hamas reportedly prepared to compromise in order to reach a ceasefire and hostage deal, with the sole major stumbling block being the number of hostages to be released during the truce.
By World Israel News Staff
Israel and Hamas are reportedly closer now than ever to reaching a ceasefire and hostage deal, although one major bone of contention has yet to be resolved.
According to a report on Monday by Lebanon’s Al-Akhbar newspaper, a pro-Hezbollah outlet, both sides are eager to reach a deal that would temporarily halt the fighting in Gaza and secure the release of some of the remaining 100 Israeli captives being held in the coastal enclave.
Israel estimates that only half of the 100 hostages are still alive.
An Israeli official quoted by Ha’aretz Sunday suggested a major breakthrough was near and that a deal could be signed as early as Christmas Day and implemented by President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20th.
However, according to a report by Israel’s Channel 13 News, Hamas and Israel remain divided over how many hostages would be released during the ceasefire.
The report said that Hamas is pushing to reduce the number of hostages to be freed, while Israel is insisting on a larger number, with Jerusalem treating the issue as a non-negotiable red line in talks.
Ha’aretz reported that the constantly changing condition of the remaining Israeli hostages has also complicated talks, with several captives who were slated for release in a possible deal being murdered or dying in captivity; others who were not slated for release have suffered from worsening health, which may put them in the category of seriously ill hostages who would be released under the current deal proposal.
The current framework would see the release of several dozen hostages, including women and children, along with elderly and seriously ill captives, in addition to several American citizens.
In exchange, Israel would release hundreds of jailed Palestinian terrorists during an extended truce that could last as long as 60 days.
More than 25 companies, including date exporters, have already applied for assistance.
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