by Brandon Goldman @realbgold
When Hamas terrorists stormed into Israel on October 7th and massacred more than 1,200 civilians, they also kidnapped about 240 people, including infants and the elderly. Since then, only four of these hostages have been released, and one rescued. Now, the world waits to hear of a coming deal for Israeli hostages.
The recent insurgence of Israeli ground troops into Gaza will likely add more pressure to the terrorists holding the hostages, who are presumed by the Israeli government to still be alive.
Potential Deal for Israeli Hostages
As of November 15th, there is now a tentative agreement between Israel and Hamas to secure the release of some of the hostages. Brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, the deal would consist of a three-day cease-fire and the release of 50 Israeli women and children, who would be exchanged for 50 Palestinians being held in Israeli prisons. The deal would also increase the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Reportedly among the Israeli hostages is a three-year-old American girl who was taken captive after her parents were killed.
This deal was in the works previously but had fallen apart when Israeli ground troops entered Gaza. However, Hamas appears to have returned to the table since Israeli troops seized Shifa Hospital, which has been used as a major terrorist base.
Before it can proceed, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must first bring this deal to his government for final approval.
Though the deal is expected to move forward, Israelis have grown impatient, with large-scale demonstrations taking place in cities across the country. A recent poll from an Israeli news station even found that a shocking 76% of people want Netanyahu to resign, with many blaming him for the security failures that led to the October 7th massacre.
President Biden spoke on the phone earlier this week with Netanyahu and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani and told the media that this deal “is going to happen,” and that he is “mildly hopeful.”
President Biden also made it clear that he is not considering sending American military forces into Gaza.