Israeli Defense Minister Gallant signals 'deal'

According to a report by the Yediot Ahronot newspaper, Gallant met with the families of the hostages.

"In this war, the security establishment is concerned with only two things: the defeat of Hamas and the return of the hostages," said Gallant, expressing that they are determined to rescue the hostages by any means necessary, whether through a deal or an operation.

Noting that he has known Hamas for many years and knows that they can only be fought by exerting military pressure on them, Gallant stated, "We do not have a timetable for the war. We will continue until the hostages are released."

With this statement, Gallant has for the first time mentioned the possibility of making a deal for the release of the hostages held by Hamas.

IT HAD ANNOUNCED THERE WERE 240 ISRAELI HOSTAGES

The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, launched a comprehensive attack on the morning of October 7, citing the need to "respond to Israel's occupation and violations," and took many Israelis hostage, taking them to Gaza.

The Israeli army had reported that there were approximately 240 Israeli hostages in the Gaza Strip, where it continues its intense attacks.

The Tel Aviv government had firmly opposed the proposal, which is highly debated in Israel, for the mutual release of all hostages and prisoners with Hamas and a humanitarian ceasefire. The Israeli government had also rejected calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, where Israeli hostages are being held.

The Tel Aviv government, which announced that it could accept a humanitarian pause in the fighting on the condition that Israeli hostages are released, continues its intense bombardment of the Gaza Strip. The Qassam Brigades had announced that about 60 of the hostages they held had been killed in the Israeli army's intense bombardment.

In Israel, various groups, primarily some relatives of the hostages, support the proposal for both sides to mutually release all hostages and prisoners.