Potential for hostage release increases: Hamas claims progress towards truce with Israel

New Delhi, Nov 21: Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has declared that the group is on the brink of a "truce agreement" with Israel, raising hopes for a temporary halt in hostilities in Gaza and the potential release of hostages.

While Israel has not commented on the announcement, a Hamas official informed Al Jazeera and international news agencies that negotiations have centred on the duration of the ceasefire, aid delivery to Gaza, and the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners.

According to AFP, a possible deal could involve a five-day truce, including a cessation of ground fighting and restrictions on Israeli air operations over southern Gaza. As part of the agreement, Palestinian militant groups might release 50-100 hostages (excluding soldiers) in exchange for the release of 200 Palestinians, including women and children, from Israeli jails.

Media reports are suggesting that parties have agreed to it with few little hitches however, Qatar is expected to announce the details of the agreement as the mediator as soon as a few glitches are ironed out.

Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari remarked, "We are at the closest point we ever had been in reaching an agreement," adding that negotiations have reached a "critical and final stage." Gaza.

Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman al-Thani asserted that only "very minor" practical and logistical obstacles remain in securing a deal.

US President Joe Biden expressed optimism about the potential deal during a Thanksgiving ceremony, crossing his fingers as he noted his belief that an agreement was close.

US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby expressed hopefulness while acknowledging that there is still work to be done but said the deal is "closer than ever before’.

As of now, there has been no immediate response from Israel. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking before Haniyeh's statement, affirmed, "We will not stop fighting until we bring our hostages home." The situation remains fluid, and the international community closely watches for further developments in the ongoing negotiations between Hamas and Israel.

Approximately 240 Israeli individuals were kidnapped during the Hamas attacks on October 7, resulting in the tragic loss of 1,200 lives. The health ministry in Gaza has reported a toll of 13,000 deaths in the territory during Israel's retaliatory campaign.

Recent days have seen growing hints of progress in securing the release of hostages, with Qatar playing a pivotal role in negotiations. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) president, Mirjana Spoljaric, has travelled to Qatar to address humanitarian issues related to the conflict.  While the ICRC does not engage in direct hostage negotiations, it plays a facilitative role once agreements are reached.

So far, the ICRC has successfully facilitated the release of four hostages by Hamas, including a mother and daughter who are US nationals and two elderly Israeli women. The organization emphasized its readiness to assist in future releases agreed upon by the conflicting parties.

Last week, Israel's military discovered the bodies of two hostages, 65-year-old Yehudit Weiss and 19-year-old soldier Noa Marciano, in

Media quoting Israeli Ambassador to the US, Michael Herzog, expressed hope for a significant hostage release in the coming days. Reports suggest that both Israel and Hamas may consider a phased release, potentially involving a small initial release of hostages alongside a ceasefire. Additional releases could follow if the ceasefire proves effective.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained a stance against halting retaliatory attacks in Gaza until all hostages are released. Israel's multifaceted operation, comprising air and artillery strikes as well as ground troops, continues with the objective of eliminating Hamas.

The conflict has already claimed more than 13,000 lives, as reported by Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry. The international community closely monitors the evolving situation amid hopes for a resolution and humanitarian relief.