Hamas, Israel close to settlement on hostage release, awaiting Israeli confirmation

livemint.com:

Also Read | Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates: Internet, phone networks collapse in Gaza; Blinken asks for 'urgent' action “I am mildly hopeful," President Biden said. In response to a question, he said he was not considering any US military involvement in rescuing the captives.

Instead, Biden said he was “working on how I can be helpful in getting the hostages released and have a period of time where there’s a pause long enough to let that happen." Also Read | Israel-Hamas war: UN says Gaza civilians facing starvation, food and water become ‘practically non-existent’ It has been cautioned by those familiar with the talks that the current arrangement is delicate and may fall apart, reflecting challenges in past negotiations. Similar parameters have been outlined in previous proposals, but the number of hostages involved and their release conditions vary.

A Washington Post report quoted an anonymous Arab diplomat as saying that the current outline is only agreed upon "in general terms." Also Read | Israel-Hamas War updates: 'Violent attack' on Gaza's Al-Ahli hospital underway, says Red Crescent Israelis are eagerly anticipating a response, with expectations that a positive response will lead to swift action, and a rejection will force a return to negotiations. It is hoped that an agreement on some aspects of the hostage release could pave the way for broader discussions about the release of all captives.

There have been no comments from Israeli officials on the potential hostage deal, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Speaking from a military post in southern Israel, Netanyahu said, "I've been talking to the people involved every day… I believe it’s going to happen." Hamas' attack on Gaza on October 7, which