Joe Biden: Agreement for the Release of Some Hamas Hostages is 'Very Close'

Joe Biden, the President of the United States, stated that an agreement for the release of some of the over 200 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza is 'very close.' Mr. Biden mentioned he would not go into details as the deal is not finalized yet. The U.S. President made these comments to reporters before an event on combating fentanyl trafficking at the White House. He added, 'When we have more to say, we will.' Meanwhile, Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas, also stated in a statement reported by Reuters that a ceasefire agreement with Israel is near. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also expressed hope that 'good news' regarding the hostages will emerge. In recent days, conflicting reports about a potential agreement between the parties involved in the Israel-Hamas war have been published in both sides' media. Earlier, Israeli Channel 12 reported, citing an unnamed senior Israeli official, that there are still 'technical issues' to resolve, and according to the agreement, at least 50 people will be released, with dozens more freed in exchange for extending the ceasefire beyond the initial few days. Reuters reported, citing a source familiar with the negotiations, that Hamas is expected to release 50 women and children, including some foreign nationals, while Israel will free 150 Palestinian prisoners, most of whom are women and minors, during a four-day ceasefire. Mr. Netanyahu convened his war cabinet amid signs of an agreement for the release of some of the 240 hostages taken by Hamas militants following the deadly border attack on Israel on October 7. Discussions with the Iranian people about the Israel-Hamas war; what cannot be published in domestic media. Hospitals in Gaza request assistance for evacuating patients; the risk of 'widespread disease outbreaks' and child casualties. Conflicting reports about a potential 'deal' between Israel and Hamas continue. Relatives of some Hamas hostages: do not talk about executing Palestinians. Release of CCTV footage of the transfer of Israeli hostages to Shifa Hospital by Hamas.