Israel, Hamas near deal to release some 70 women and children held hostage – report

A high-ranking Israeli official said that a deal with Hamas that would see the terror group release dozens of women and children it is holding in the Gaza Strip is nearing completion and could be announced within days, The Washington Post reported Monday.

“The general outline of the deal is understood,” the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, was quoted as saying.

Under the emerging outline, the hostages would be released in groups, in exchange for Palestinian women and minors incarcerated in Israel, the report said.

Hamas-led terrorists took some 240 hostages during their devastating October 7 attack on Israel, in which they killed over 1,200 people, mostly civilians in their homes and at a music festival. Israel then declared war with the aim of toppling the terror group’s regime in Gaza, which it has ruled since 2007.

The Post report, published as an opinion piece by journalist David Ignatius, said Israel is seeking the release of 100 women and children thought to be held by Hamas, while the terror group has indicated its willingness to free 70. READ MORE