The leader of Hamas says they are close to reaching a “truce agreement” with Israel, raising hopes of a pause in hostilities in Gaza that could see hostages freed
Israel has not commented.
Earlier PM Benjamin Netanyahu said his country would not stop fighting until hostages are brought home
A deal could see Hamas returning hostages in exchange for Israel’s release of jailed Palestinians.
US President Joe Biden on Monday said he believed a deal was close – the White House spoke of temporary pauses in fighting to allow hostages safely out
The International Committee of the Red Cross, which helped facilitate previous deals, has been meeting Hamas leaders in Qatar – raising further hopes
Meanwhile, fighting continues to rage in Gaza, with the Israeli military saying it has surrounded the city of Jabalia in the north
Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry says 13,300 people, including more than 5,000 children, have been killed in Israel’s campaign
