Hostage statement from Israeli sources

Israeli government sources have announced that a conditional agreement providing for the release of more than 240 people held by Hamas is nearing completion.

It is expected that 40 children and approximately 20 women and elderly people will be released in exchange for the release of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.

The families of the hostages are also continuing to pressure the Israeli government to reach an agreement.  

Hamas has released four hostages, including 85-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz, who was returned to her family last month. Her 83-year-old husband, Oded Lifshitz, is still being held hostage.

It is believed that those kidnapped by Hamas are being held in tunnels in the Gaza Strip.

US and Netanyahu deny reports of a deal with Hamas

On the other hand, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior US officials have denied claims by the Washington Post that an agreement had been reached with Hamas for a short-term ceasefire.

The Washington Post, citing sources familiar with the matter, had reported that Israel, the US, and Hamas had agreed on a draft deal that would see the release of women and children held hostage in Gaza in exchange for a five-day ceasefire.

Prime Minister Netanyahu, who denied this information for the time being, stated in his remarks regarding the claims: "I want to clarify this point: No agreement has been made so far. But I want to give you this promise: When there is something, we will let you know."

A White House spokesperson, who made a statement in the same vein, also emphasized that Israel and Hamas have not yet reached an agreement on a temporary ceasefire, but that the US continues to work toward a deal.

Israeli government sources speaking to Euronews also said that the White House is increasing pressure on Israel to alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip and to allow more fuel into the besieged territory so that hospitals can operate.

News Source: Euronews