No deal reached yet on hostage release: Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that no deal has been reached yet for the release of Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip. He denied reports of an approaching deal and assured the public would be updated if an agreement is reached. Netanyahu expressed solidarity with the families of hostages, who completed a march urging the government to secure their release. He invited representatives of the families to meet with his cabinet to emphasize the issue’s importance. Despite international pressure, Netanyahu vowed to continue fighting until Hamas is destroyed. Hamas reported that Israeli airstrikes severed its contact with squads guarding Israeli prisoners. The fate of the prisoners and detainees remains unknown. The conflict arose after a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in casualties and hostages. The ongoing conflict has claimed over 12,000 Palestinian lives, according to Gaza’s government media office.

Source – CGTN