Netanyahu Summons War Cabinet as Imminent Deal for Hostage Release Looms

 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has summoned his war cabinet amidst signs of an imminent deal for the release of hostages held by Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu shared that progress has been made but refrained from providing further details. In response to recent developments, he will convene his war cabinet, followed by meetings with the wider security cabinet and the full cabinet. The hostage situation has been ongoing for over six weeks, with Hamas taking approximately 240 hostages, including children and elderly individuals. Israel's tally reports that the assault on October 7 resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people.

Both sides are reportedly close to reaching a deal, which would involve the release of 50 hostages, mainly women and children, in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners and a temporary ceasefire lasting four to five days. These developments have given hope to the families of the hostages, with Kamelia Hoter Ishay, the grandmother of 13-year-old Gali Tarshansky, expressing her desire for a phone call stating that her granddaughter is coming back. Tarshansky was kidnapped from her home in Kibbutz Beeri, one of the most heavily affected communities.

The Israeli government is preparing for the possible return of the hostages by convening the directors-general of relevant government ministries to organize treatment and aid. The involvement of US President Joe Biden has reportedly improved the deal, expanding the number of hostages to be released while reducing concessions. However, it is important to note that the deal is not yet final, as further approvals are necessary. Chief military spokesman Daniel Hagari assured that the military would maintain its achievements in Gaza while preparing for future stages of the conflict. In the ongoing conflict, Hamas claims that at least 13,300 Palestinians, including 5,600 children, have been killed, while Israel's tally reports 1,200 deaths.

The pending deal has sparked demonstrations in support of the hostages' release. Relatives of the Israeli hostages, along with their supporters, marched from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, applying pressure on the government to secure their release. Additionally, protesters gathered outside the Tel Aviv Defense Ministry campus, urging the government to act swiftly. The uncertainty surrounding the deal creates anxiety for the families involved, who are wary of potential disappointment. Israeli hostage Omer Wenkert's relatives expressed hope for the release of chronically ill hostages, highlighting the urgent medical needs of some individuals. Palestinian representatives are anxiously awaiting details about the release of their imprisoned compatriots.

Qadura Fares, head of the Commission for Prisoners' Affairs in the Palestinian Authority, emphasized the significance of addressing the arbitrary detention of Palestinian children and the need to highlight Israel's treatment of detainees. The Israel Prison Service has stated that they are unaware of any deal concerning the release of Palestinian prisoners. Hamas has released only four captives thus far on humanitarian grounds. These include U.S. citizens Judith Raanan and her daughter, Natalie Raanan, as well as Israeli women Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz.