‘Tentative deal’ for Gaza hostages: Washington Post
The White House is disputing a report that Israel, the US and Hamas have reached a tentative agreement to free dozens of women and children being held hostage in Gaza.
Benjamin Netanyahu
The Washington Post reported on Saturday that the release would be based on a five-day pause in fighting in the territory, citing people
familiar with the deal.
However, a White House spokesman says Israel and Hamas have not yet reached a deal on a temporary ceasefire.
The spokesperson said that the US is continuing to work to get a deal between the two sides, with a second US official confirming no deal had been reached.
According to the Washington Post report, under a detailed, six-page agreement, all parties would freeze combat operations for at least five days while “an initial 50 or more hostages are released in smaller groups every 24 hours”.
Hamas took about 240 people hostage during its October 7 rampage across the border that left 1,200 dead.
In Israel’s military response in Gaza, more than 11,500 Palestinians have been killed, according to local health authorities.
The newspaper said overhead surveillance would monitor ground movement to help police the pause, which is also intended to allow a significant amount of humanitarian aid.
The hostage release could begin within the next several days, according to the newspaper’s sources.
Nevertheless, fronting the press last night, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: “Concerning the hostages, there are many unsubstantiated rumours, many incorrect reports. I would like to make it clear: As of now, there has been no deal. But I want to promise: When there is something to say – we will report to you about it.”
AAP/J-Wire
