Prospects of Gaza Cease-Fire: Hostages May Be Freed

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicates a cease-fire deal in Gaza is possible, with potential to free hostages. The Israeli military orders evacuations in Gaza, where heavy casualties have occurred. Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. advocate for a phased cessation. Palestinian factions sign a declaration on unity in China.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hinted at the emergence of a potential cease-fire agreement in Gaza, which could lead to the release of dozens of hostages. Currently in Washington, Netanyahu is set to address Congress on the situation.

The Israeli military has called for the evacuation of a heavily populated area in Gaza that was previously designated as a humanitarian zone. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, the ongoing nine-month conflict has resulted in over 39,000 Palestinian deaths.

Efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States are underway to bring Israel and Hamas to a phased cease-fire deal that would halt the fighting and secure the release of remaining hostages. Netanyahu's office confirmed that a negotiating team will be dispatched to continue discussions on Thursday.

Meanwhile, in China, Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah have signed a declaration to form a unity government and mend their longstanding rift. However, past agreements, including a similar deal in 2011, have failed to materialize.

(With inputs from agencies.)