Talks ongoing in Qatar between Israel and Hamas over the release of hostages

Mediation by the US, Qatar and Egypt

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas militants

Tel Aviv (Israel) – On 7 ^th October 2023, hundreds of Hamas terrorists infiltrated southern Israel from the Gaza Strip and opened indiscriminate fire. A total of 1,139 Israelis were killed in the attack. Hamas also kidnapped 251 people. This led to the outbreak of war, with Israel taking a firm stance that the war would not end until Hamas was defeated. More than 450 days of ongoing conflict have resulted in over 44,000 deaths in Gaza, which is about 2% of Gaza’s population. This includes many Hamas terrorists, as well as civilians who were killed when the terrorists took refuge in hospitals and schools to protect themselves from Israeli military action. The US, Qatar, and Egypt have been mediating for months to negotiate a deal between both sides. As a result, discussions are currently ongoing in Qatar between Israel and Hamas regarding a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz recently provided this information.

1. The Israeli Defence Minister has accused the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah of violating the ceasefire. He warned that if the violations continue, Israel would be forced to take action. A ceasefire had been established between Israel and Hezbollah in November 2024 after a year- long conflict.

2. It is also reported that David Barnea, the head of Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad, may travel to Qatar to discuss the release of hostages.

3. Of the 254 people Hamas kidnapped from the Gaza border in October 2023, over 150 hostages have been released so far. Approximately 100 people are still in Hamas captivity, and the Israeli military has confirmed the deaths of 34 hostages.

Israeli female soldier held by Hamas criticises Prime Minister Netanyahu

Israeli woman soldier Liri Elbagacha

In the midst of all this, Hamas has released a video featuring 19-year-old Israeli female soldier Liri Albag, who was taken hostage by Hamas. In the video, Liri accuses Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of failing to secure the release of Israeli hostages from Hamas captivity. Five female soldiers are still held by Hamas. Following the release of the video, Netanyahu held a discussion with Liri’s parents on 4 ^th January. He assured them that he is making every effort to bring the hostages back to their homeland.