Israel had previously rejected proposals calling for an agreement on fuel imports into the Gaza Strip. The government fears that the product will be used by Hamas.
Publicly, the Israeli government insists that the hostages must be released “unconditionally.” There is no information as to whether anything was provided in return for the four hostages released last week. It is estimated that more than 200 people are in the Gaza Strip.
In addition to importing fuel into Gaza, Hamas also wants a ceasefire and the release of prisoners in Israeli prisons. The source who spoke to the public broadcaster speculates that there will soon be a major breakthrough in the negotiations.
Two kidnapped Americans were released by Hamas terrorists last week. Judith Raanan, 59, and her daughter Natalie, 17, were kidnapped by Hamas on October 7th.
Days after her initial release, Yocheved Lifshitz was released along with her neighbor and friend Nurit Cooper, 79.. They are recovering at Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv. The husbands of the released elderly women remain hostages of Hamas. They are: Oded Lifshitz, 83, and Amiram Cooper, 85.
Relatives of the hostages call on the government
This Thursday (26), family members of hostages released a statement informing the Israeli government that their patience was “over”. and called on the authorities to immediately rescue those abducted.