Negotiations for Hostage Release Near Success: Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has informed families of hostages held in Gaza that a deal for their release could be close. Israeli forces continue operations in Gaza's Khan Younis. Thousands of civilians are fleeing amid persistent Israeli airstrikes. Netanyahu will meet U.S. President Joe Biden soon.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed families of Gaza-hostage victims on Tuesday that the release deal might be close, as fighting continues in the Palestinian enclave. Israeli forces advanced in Khan Younis after evacuating some districts used for renewed Palestinian militant attacks.

U.N. officials reported that thousands are fleeing to safer areas amid Israeli airstrikes. Netanyahu, currently in Washington, is expected to meet President Joe Biden later this week post his Congress address. Speaking to hostage families Monday, he indicated that the conditions for a deal are improving, citing efforts mediated by Egypt and Qatar.

However, progress has been slow, with Netanyahu affirming that releases will occur in stages. Meanwhile, senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri dismissed Netanyahu's statements, alleging stalling tactics. An Israeli negotiation team is set to resume talks, with potential positive responses from Egypt. The October 7 Hamas raid killed 1,200 people, with 250 taken captive, while ongoing Israeli offensives have resulted in over 39,000 Palestinian deaths, per Gaza health authorities.

(With inputs from agencies.)