Israel has reportedly agreed to a framework for a new ceasefire deal with Hamas that would cease hostilities for six weeks in exchange for the release of up to 40 hostages.
An Israeli delegation led by Ronen Bar and David Barnea, the country’s two intelligence chiefs, returned on Saturday from negotiations in Paris with the US, Egypt and Qatar, boosting hopes within Israel for a deal.
According to local media reports, women, children, the elderly and hostages in dire need of medical help will be released in the new agreements.
Axios news website reported that hundreds of Palestinian prisoners will be released, some of whom have been convicted of killing Israelis, and that a limited number of Palestinians will be allowed to return to northern Gaza, while humanitarian aid will be significantly increased
Mr Netanyahu issued a statement after the delegation finished its negotiations in Paris, saying: “We are working to reach another framework for the release of our hostages, as well as the completion of the elimination of the Hamas battalions in Rafah. That is why I sent a delegation to Paris and tonight we will discuss the next steps in the negotiations.”