Israel hopeful about Gaza hostage deal

Israel is growing more optimistic about the possibility of securing a deal to free hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Monday. His comments come amid reports that Hamas has requested lists of all hostages still in captivity, signaling potential progress in negotiations.

Saar confirmed that indirect talks are ongoing concerning the release of approximately 100 hostages, although he cautioned that it was still too early to guarantee success. “We can be more optimistic than before, but we are not there yet. I hope we will be there,” Saar said at a press conference in Jerusalem, reiterating that Israel’s stance remains firm: there will be no ceasefire without a deal on hostages.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also expressed cautious optimism, noting that Hamas’ increasing isolation, particularly after the weakening of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, could create an opportunity for a breakthrough. However, Netanyahu emphasized that it was too early to determine whether the ongoing efforts would yield a successful outcome.

A Palestinian official involved in the mediation effort revealed that Hamas had instructed other factions in Gaza to compile lists of Israeli and foreign hostages in their custody, both dead and alive. While the official did not provide further details, they indicated that mediation efforts, backed by the U.S., had intensified. Hamas officials have yet to comment on the reports.

The potential for a deal has raised hopes among families of the hostages. Some relatives expressed cautious optimism after meeting with Netanyahu on Sunday, where the Prime Minister reportedly told them that “the time had come for a hostage deal.” The Hostages and Missing Families Forum confirmed the meeting, which gave them renewed hope for the return of their loved ones.

Since Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, which killed approximately 1,200 people according to Israeli estimates, more than 250 hostages were taken to Gaza. The conflict has claimed the lives of over 44,700 Palestinians in Gaza, according to local health authorities.

Despite the diplomatic discussions, military action continues in Gaza. On Monday, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 11 people in Rafah, near the Egyptian border. An Israeli strike near Jabalia killed four people, while a bombing in Beit Lahiya left six dead. In Al-Maghazi, in central Gaza, Israeli tanks entered the area early Monday, forcing residents to flee. Later in the day, airstrikes killed four children, ages 4 to 13, in the same camp.

The Israeli military has yet to comment on the specific airstrikes reported on Monday.