Israeli government official says delegation sent to negotiate hostage deal with Hamas

Aftermath of Israeli strikes at Gaza's Old City market, in Gaza City

Smoke rises following Israeli strikes that hit a residential building and destroyed shops at Gaza's Old City market, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, in Gaza City July 4, 2024. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa

Source: REUTERS

An Israeli government official said on Thursday that a delegation has been sent to negotiate a hostage release deal with Hamas.

Under a deal brokered in late November by the United States, Qatar and Egypt, more than 100 of the estimated 240 hostages taken to Gaza during an attack by Hamas-led militants on Oct. 7 were freed in exchange for the release of 240 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.

Since then, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has faced mounting pressure to secure the release the 136 hostages who remain in captivity.

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

Turkmenistan Roundup: Halk Maslahaty preparations, smart energy, and Caspian diplomacy

This article was produced by Reuters news agency. It has not been edited by Global South World.

By Reuters