‘We are close to reaching a deal on a truce’, claims Hamas

In a significant development in Israel’s ongoing attacks on Gaza that has killed over 13,000 people, Hamas has reportedly claimed a possible ceasefire might be achieved today.

Israel has not yet confirmed the deal which is said to be mediated by Qatar.

According to Al Jazeera, Hamas official Izzat al-Rishq said the agreement will include a ceasefire, supply of aid into Gaza and shifting the injured to other countries for treatment.

The deal is also said to include exchange of captives in efforts to release Palestinian women and children in Israeli prisons.

Al-Rishq adds that the talks have been going on for weeks but PM Netanyahu “was stalling”, further stating that all the brigades in the Palestinian resistance approved of the deal.

Previously, on Sunday, the Qatari PM said a deal to free some of the captives in return for a temporary ceasefire hinged on “minor” practical issues

On the contrary, Israel’s Channel 12 reported the country’s war cabinet had discussed on Sunday that it is eager to negotiate on the hostages and wants to send a message to Qatar that it is ready to reach a deal.

Israeli captives under Hamas

Israel claims at least 237 people were taken hostage by Hamas during the October 7 attacks.

Among the hostages are nationals from more than 40 countries including at least 20 Thai farm workers and allegedly 33 children.

Hamas has released four hostages – two Israeli citizens and two US citizens, while one was recovered during an operation in Gaza.

Israel also claims that the bodies of two female hostages were recovered near the Al-Shifa Hospital complex.

Palestinians captives under Israel

About 5,200 Palestinians are held in Israeli prisons before October 7 attacks.

Since the attacks, Israel has arrested at least 2,960 more Palestinians during raids across the occupied West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem.

These include at least 95 women and 37 journalists.

Most of the people being held under laws and military orders that allow detention without trial or charge.

Rights and monitoring groups report that at least 145 of them are reportedly children.

While other reports claim that currently more than 200 children are held in Israeli prisons, including 26 on administrative detention.