The Israeli Broadcasting Authority, citing sources close to the Hamas movement, reported that it requires the release of its kidnapped persons as a condition that 7,000 trucks loaded with aid and fuel be brought into the Gaza Strip.
The sources explained that Hamas requires the release of 35 kidnapped women in exchange for 35 female Palestinian security prisoners in Israeli prisons. It is also prepared to release living kidnapped civilians and those with foreign nationality in exchange for the release of 140 Palestinians who were arrested in Israel not for reasons related to armed activity.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated in an interview with the American network NBC the possibility of reaching an agreement to release hostages held by Hamas.
When asked about the possibility of reaching an agreement regarding women, children and the elderly held hostage by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Netanyahu replied: “It is possible, but the less I say about this issue, the greater the chances of it being achieved.”
Netanyahu considered that things were progressing thanks to Israeli military pressure, saying, "We were not close at all (to reaching an agreement), until we started ground operations. The moment we started ground operations, things began to change."
The Israeli military estimates that about 240 people were taken hostage in the Gaza Strip during the first day of the Hamas attack.
Among the detainees are at least 30 minors, including children, according to Israeli media.
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