JERUSALEM/CAIRO (Reuters) – Israel is now extra optimistic a few doable hostage deal in Gaza, Overseas Minister Gideon Saar mentioned on Monday, amid experiences that Hamas had requested for lists of all nonetheless held by militant teams within the Palestinian enclave.
He mentioned oblique negotiations had been beneath means in regards to the return of about 100 hostages and that, whereas it was nonetheless too early to make sure, prospects had improved.
“We can be more optimistic than before but we are not there yet. I hope we will be there,” Saar advised a press convention in Jerusalem, reiterating Israel’s place that the hostages nonetheless held in Gaza should be returned earlier than Israel agrees an finish to the combating.
“There will not be a ceasefire in Gaza without a hostage deal,” he mentioned.
A Palestinian official with information of the mediation effort mentioned Hamas had requested different factions in Gaza to begin itemizing the names of Israeli and international hostages of their custody, whether or not useless or alive.
The official gave no additional particulars of the mediation effort however mentioned the mediators, backed by america, 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 folks, in accordance with Israeli tallies. Over 44,000 Palestinians have been killed within the Israeli offensive on Gaza that adopted, Gaza well being authorities says.
Some hostage households voiced cautious optimism after assembly Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday. Netanyahu advised them the time had come for a hostage deal, the Hostages and Lacking Households Discussion board mentioned.
Both sides accuses the opposite of standing in the way in which of a deal however Saar mentioned Hamas’ earlier place “might have changed during recent times”.
“So if both parties are interested in an agreement, there is a better chance it will be achieved,” he mentioned.
