Hostage Deal Possible by Hanukkah, Israeli Official Says

Monday, 16 December 2024 | An Israeli official, previously skeptical about negotiations, confirmed this week that progress has been made in talks aimed at securing the release of Israeli hostages held by the Hamas terror organization in the Gaza Strip.

Additionally, a source familiar with the negotiations told Israel Hayom that talks to formulate a hostages-for-ceasefire deal are expected to be completed by Hanukkah [Festival of Lights], with implementation spread over an extended period.

Hanukkah this year begins on the evening of December 25.

The main point of contention between Israel and Hamas remains the number of hostages to be released during the deal. A source privy to the details indicated that Israel is still awaiting Hamas’s responses regarding both the framework of the agreement and the terror organization’s ability to secure the release of captives.

According to the source, Israel will evaluate its next steps after Hamas presents a list of hostages to be freed. “The ball is in their court,” the source said.

Despite the gaps between the parties, the message received from mediators has sparked more cautious optimism than in the past. In the same optimistic tone, Saudi news channel Al Arabiya quoted a senior Hamas official saying there has been “unprecedented progress in negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire.” 

As of December 16, 100 Israeli hostages remain in Gaza, with 36 having been declared dead.

Originally published by Israel Hayom.