Israel ready to consider Gaza deal to free hostages held by Hamas: Report

By Said Amouri

JERUSALEM (AA) – Israel has informed mediators that it is ready to consider “a large-scale deal” that would lead to the release of a large number of Israelis held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, according to Israeli media on Thursday.

Tel Aviv “informed mediators, including Qatar and Egypt, that it is ready to consider a large-scale exchange deal with Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip,” the public broadcaster KAN said.

“The deal includes the release of a large number of prisoners held by Hamas in Gaza,” the broadcaster said.

Hamas, in return, wants fuel to be allowed into Gaza, the release of Palestinian prisoners, and a cease-fire, KAN said.

There was no comment from Hamas on the report.

The Israeli army says that 224 Israelis are held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Israel has launched relentless airstrikes on the Gaza Strip following a cross-border attack by Hamas into Israeli territory on Oct. 7.

Over 8,400 people have been killed in the conflict, including at least 7,028 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis.

Gaza's 2.3 million residents have been running out of food, water, medicine, and fuel, and aid convoys allowed into Gaza have carried only a fraction of what is needed.

*Writing by Mahmoud Barakat