Hostages: Netanyahu hints at a possible deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted at the possibility of reaching an agreement to release some hostages kidnapped by Hamas, in an interview with the American television channel NBC.

In response to a question from a journalist about a possible agreement on the release of women, children and the elderly, Netanyahu said today: “It could happen.” He added: “The less I say about this issue, the greater the chances that this will become a reality.”

Netanyahu stressed that if this succeeds, it will only be a result of military pressure. “This is the only thing that can lead to an agreement.” There was no movement in the negotiations except with the ground attack launched by the Israeli army on the Gaza Strip, which is controlled by Hamas. “We will talk about it when the time comes and announce it when it comes to fruition.”

NBC and other American media, citing government sources, reported that the possibility of Hamas releasing about 80 women and children in exchange for the release of Palestinian women and teenagers detained in Israel was discussed. There was no official confirmation of this. Netanyahu also did not go into any details about a possible deal.

Negotiations with Qatar

Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor to US President Joe Biden, told ABC that negotiations are ongoing with the participation of Qatar and the US government is actively participating in them. “Attempts are being made to reach an agreement that includes the release of the hostages,” Sullivan said. Biden will not rest until such an agreement is reached.

But Sullivan stressed: “I have to be careful about what I say publicly about this matter because it is of course a delicate and sensitive negotiation.”