The White House official stated that a deal between Hamas and Israel for the release of hostages is now closer than it has been previously.
Israel and Hamas to release hostages
A senior national security advisor to President Biden stated on Sunday that the terrorist organization’s proximity to the hostage is significant.
Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer stated on “Face the Nation” that there have been significant reductions in previous areas of disagreement. He believes that we are now closer than ever to reaching a final agreement. However, given the sensitivity and complexity of this issue, the saying “nothing is agreed until everything is agreed” holds true and a final agreement has not been reached yet.
He stated that we will persist in our efforts to work closely and intensely behind closed doors in order to bring back as many individuals as possible, including American hostages, in a timely manner.
According to a report from The Washington Post on Saturday, there was a tentative agreement to release 50 or more women and children who were being held hostage in exchange for a five-day pause in fighting. However, both the White House and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have denied that such an agreement was reached.
2011 military intervention in Libya
As reported by Reuters, Qatar participated in the 2011 military intervention in Libya.
Negotiation between Israel and Hamas.
“The agreement has had its ups and downs over the past few weeks, but I am now more certain that we are on the verge of reaching a deal that will safely bring people back to their homes,” stated Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, the Prime Minister of Qatar.
Roughly 240
It is believed that hostages have been captured. during the Oct. 7 attack
According to the Israel Defense Forces, Hamas militants have carried out attacks on Israel resulting in the capture of several individuals. So far, only two Americans and a total of four people have been released.
Netanyahu told
On Thursday, CBS News reported that Israel had made progress towards a deal to secure the release of hostages. However, they clarified that a temporary cease-fire would only occur if the hostages were successfully returned.
When questioned about the urgency of securing their freedom, Finer avoided using the phrase “time is running out” but acknowledged that there is a pressing need to act.
Finer stated that they strongly believe the task should be completed as soon as feasible and they are urging diplomatic efforts to accomplish it.
Finer emphasized that addressing the issue is of utmost importance to all members of the Biden administration, including the president, who is actively involved in finding a solution.
Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Democratic Party from Maryland, stated on “Face the Nation” that he urges President Biden to provide a more definitive statement on the feasibility of Israel’s military objectives and their efforts to safeguard civilians. Along with his fellow senators, he has sent a letter to Mr. Biden requesting further clarification.
“After the devastating Hamas attacks on October 7th, it seems that every senator is in support of Israel’s goal to take action against Hamas and eliminate their military capabilities,” stated the speaker. “Many of us were worried when a White House national security spokesperson recently stated that the US has no red lines, implying that anything is permissible. This goes against American interests and values, which is why we are raising these concerns.”
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Source: cbsnews.com