Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called meetings this Tuesday with the war cabinet as well as the entire government to discuss “the release of hostages” from Gaza. Netanyahu expressed hope for good news soon and rumors suggest an imminent agreement with Hamas for the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and a temporary ceasefire.
Ismail Haniyeh, head of Hamas’s political wing, declared that an agreement was near, and Egyptian sources revealed that the agreement will include a five-day truce and the release of 50 hostages held by Hamas in exchange for 300 Palestinian prisoners in Israel. The agreement will also allow the entry of 300 trucks of food, medical aid, nad fuel into the Gaza Strip.
These statements coincide with information released by the Egyptian television channel Al Qahera News, which claims “Egypt has intensified its efforts” and “joint coordination with Qatar” to achieve a humanitarian truce between Israel and Hamas and an exchange of hostages and prisoners. However, the Israeli government has not provided details on the matter.