Israel’s National Security Adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, announced on Friday that no consensus has been reached on the release of hostages held by the Palestinian Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip.
Speaking at a press conference, Hanegbi stated, “At this point, there is no agreement on a prisoner exchange, and no decision has been made.
However, discussions are ongoing, and we believe that if an agreement is reached, many families will be reunited with their relatives.”
Hanegbi emphasized that Israel will not yield to Hamas, maintaining a firm stance that there will be no ceasefire in the Gaza Strip without the release of the majority of hostages.
On November 15, ABC TV reported, citing a senior Israeli official, that an announcement regarding the release of hostages could be imminent within the next two or three days.
Sources from Reuters revealed that Hamas had agreed to the general terms of a deal with Israel, proposing the release of approximately 50 hostages in exchange for a three-day ceasefire in Gaza.
However, an Israeli official, quoted by ABC, highlighted a significant obstacle: the number of hostages Hamas is willing to release.
Israel insists on the release of all children, their mothers, and their families, totaling around 80 hostages, while Hamas is inclined to release only women and small children, approximately 50 individuals.
The negotiations continue as both parties grapple with this crucial point of contention.
