Israel confirms progress in talks to free Gaza hostages: “It was a constructive meeting”

Prime Minister's Office Israel confirmed that a four-way meeting between the US, Israel, Qatar and Egypt on a possible major hostage deal took place “in Europe” and called the discussions “constructive”.

“There are still significant gaps that the parties will discuss in additional meetings this week.”Israel added in a brief statement.

The contract they are discussing A two-month moratorium on military operations against Hamas in Gaza In return Freeing more than 130 hostages Those caught up in the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, two senior U.S. officials confirmed to the AP.

Officials, who did not want to be named, were asked to comment Important negotiationsHe said Saturday that the terms of a tentative agreement would be established In two phases: Detained women, elderly and wounded were released by Hamas. After that, Israel and Hamas want to finalize the details of the second phase during the first 30 days of the ceasefire. Israeli soldiers and civilians will be freed. The new deal calls for Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Although the agreement would not end the war, US officials hoped it would lay the groundwork for a permanent solution to the conflict.

CIA Director Bill Burns traveled to France for high-level talks after top White House adviser Brett McCurg traveled to the Middle East this week for hostage talks.

If Burns makes progress in his meetings in France, Biden may send McCurk back to the region to try to close the deal quickly. At the time of their conversations this week, McGurk was preparing another visit by Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, who next week will make his fifth tour of the Middle East, where the war between Israel and Hamas began in October.

The October 7 attack killed about 1,200 people in Israel, and Hamas and other militants kidnapped about 250.

About 100 hostages were released during a week-long ceasefire in November in exchange for Palestinians jailed by Israel. About 130 people were captured, although many are confirmed dead.

Hamas has said it will only release more hostages in exchange for an end to the war and the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners.

(With information from AP and AFP)