Israel hostage hopes rise

After weeks of deadlock, Israel has softened its stance on the conditions for a hostage deal with Hamas, raising hopes of a breakthrough in diplomatic efforts to end the war in Gaza

Hostage deal: Israel offers 40-day  pause in fighting during which Hamas will release 33 of roughly 130 hostages held in Gaza in exchange for Palestinians jailed in Israel

Oct 7, 2023: Attacks by al-Qassam Brigades – military wing of Hamas – in southern Israel kill 1,200 Israelis and seize 253 hostages

Gaza war: Israel launches massive response, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (right) declaring objective is to “eliminate Hamas” and al-Qassam Brigades.

   
Over 34,500 Palestinians killed as of Apr 2024

Nov 24-30: Truce sees Hamas release 105 hostages and Israel free 240 Palestinian prisoners

Apr 7, 2024: Defence Minister Yoav Gallant (right) claims Israel has killed 12,000 Hamas fighters and disbanded al-Qassam Brigades except for four in Rafah


Apr 24: Khalil al-Hayya, senior Hamas official, says group is willing to agree five-year truce with Israel, lay down weapons and convert to political party, if independent Palestinian state is established along pre-1967 borders. Precondition rejected by Netanyahu
 
Apr 29: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken (right)
meets with foreign ministers of France, UK, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan and Egypt, in diplomatic push to end war


     
Sources: Asharq Al-Awsat, Associated Press, Times of Israel Pictures: Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS