JERUSALEM/CAIRO – Israel expressed growing optimism about a potential hostage deal with Hamas in Gaza, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced on Dec 9. He stated that indirect negotiations were ongoing for the release of around 100 hostages, with prospects appearing brighter than before.
“We can be more optimistic than before, but we are not there yet. I hope we will be there,” Saar said during a press conference in Jerusalem. He reaffirmed Israel’s position that all hostages held in Gaza must be returned before any ceasefire agreement is reached. “There will not be a ceasefire in Gaza without a hostage deal,” he added.
A Palestinian official involved in the mediation efforts revealed that Hamas had asked other factions in Gaza to compile lists of Israeli and foreign hostages, both alive and deceased, in their custody. While details remain scarce, the official confirmed intensified mediation efforts involving the United States.
Hostage families, after meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Dec 8, expressed cautious optimism. Netanyahu reportedly told them, “The time has come for a hostage deal,” according to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.
Hamas gunmen abducted over 250 hostages during their Oct 7 attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, according to Israeli sources. Meanwhile, the Gaza Health Ministry reports over 44,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s retaliatory offensive.
Israeli strikes on Gaza continued on Dec 9, with medics reporting casualties in areas including Jabalia and Rafah. Additionally, Israeli tanks were seen advancing into parts of Al-Maghazi camp, forcing residents to flee.
Despite ongoing violence, Foreign Minister Saar suggested that Hamas’ stance “might have changed during recent times,” increasing the chances of a deal if both sides remain committed to negotiations.