Ray of Hope For Israeli Hostages in New Negotiations

All but forgotten in calls for unconditional ceasefire and condemnations of Israel, over 100 hostages are still being held by Hamas.

Family members and friends of hostages being held by Hamas terrorists meet with U.S. and Israeli lawmakers at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. October 23, 2023. (Photo: U.S. Embassy Jerusalem)

“Israel’s Netanyahu approves new Gaza ceasefire talks,” reported Alarabiya News this weekend. “Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved a new round of Gaza ceasefire talks to take place in Doha and Cairo, his office said Friday, days after the negotiations appeared stalled.”

“Mediator Qatar said Tuesday that talks between Hamas and Israel on a Gaza truce and hostage release were continuing, but the warring sides and mediators have offered little information since,” noted Alarabiya. “Netanyahu’s office said the premier spoke to Mossad chief David Barnea about the talks, but declined elaborate on whether Barnea would be traveling to Doha or Cairo for the negotiations.”

Good news about hostage negotiations is welcome as the conflict between Israel and Hamas stretches into its seventh month. There have been other encouraging signs in Israel’s attempts to claw back those still being held captive by Hamas terrorists.

“Israel said willing to free some 800 inmates for 40 hostages, as talks given 50/50 odds,” Lazar Berman reported for the Times of Israel on Monday. “Report says up to 100 murder convicts could be released for female soldiers…