Israel’s Netanyahu reports progress on hostage deal

JERUSALEM

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday reported progress on reaching an agreement for the release of Israelis held by Palestinian group Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

​​​​​​​"We’re making progress. I don't think it's advisable to say too much, even at this stage, but I hope there will be good news soon," Netanyahu said at a meeting with troops as reported by Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth.

Netanyahu’s office said his Cabinet will convene at 8 p.m. Tuesday “in light of developments on the release of our hostages.”

Israeli public broadcaster KAN earlier reported that the Gulf nation of Qatar may announce a cease-fire in Gaza, under which a prisoner swap deal will take place between Palestinians and Israelis.

KAN, citing an Israeli source familiar with details of the prospective deal between Israel and Hamas, said the agreement is about to be finalized and Qatar may announce the terms later Tuesday.

Hamas is believed to be holding at least 239 Israelis following a cross-border attack on Oct. 7.

Israel has launched relentless air and ground attacks in the Gaza Strip following the Hamas attack, killing more than 13,300 Palestinians, including 5,600 children and 3,550 women, according to health authorities in the enclave.

Thousands of buildings, including hospitals, mosques, and churches, have also been damaged or destroyed in Israel’s air and ground attacks on the besieged enclave.

The Israeli death toll, meanwhile, is around 1,200, according to official figures.