Netanyahu optimistic about hostage release
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hinted at the possibility of an agreement for the release of hostages in Gaza.
“There could be [an agreement], but I think the less I say about it, the more I increase the chances it materializes,” Netanyahu told US broadcaster NBC.
He argued that Israel’s ground offensive in the Gaza Strip created movement in negotiations.
“If a deal is available, well, we’ll talk about it when it’s there. We’ll announce it if it’s achieved,” he said.
Netanyahu did not provide any details on the potential deal.
Hamas took 239 people hostage during its attacks on southern Israel on October 7, according to Israeli authorities.
The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) is believed to have killed over 11,000 Palestinians since it began its military campaign against Hamas in Gaza.
IDF’s says its ground offensive aims at destroying Hamas infrastructure located in civilian populated areas.
Concerns are mounting over humanitarian consequences of the military campaign.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, has warned of a “dire and perilous” situation in Gaza’s hospitals, saying more patients, including premature babies, are “tragically” dying.
Gaza’s two largest hospitals, al-Shifa and al-Qudus, have both closed. Israeli snipers continue to fire at anyone near al-Shifa Hospital, trapping thousands inside.
