Israel announces progress in agreements with Hamas

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced "some progress" in negotiations on a ceasefire and the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip. During a speech in the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, he emphasized that Israel is actively working at all levels to bring the hostages home.

This was reported by The Guardian.

What is known about Israel's potential truce with Hamas

It is reported that of the approximately 250 people captured by Hamas in October during attacks on southern Israel, about 100 are still in Gaza, although a third of them are presumed dead. About 1,200 people were killed in the attacks, which were the largest in recent years.

Netanyahu noted that he could not disclose details of the talks, but one of the key factors of progress is the elimination of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and strikes on the positions of Hezbollah militants, which are supported by Iran. These forces have been firing rockets at Israel from Lebanon in an attempt to support Hamas.

"We are taking significant steps through all channels to bring back our loved ones. I would like to tell you cautiously that there is some progress," Netanyahu said

The key obstacles of the previous rounds of negotiations, including the presence of the Israeli military in certain areas of Gaza, have now been put to rest. However, ensuring that Palestinians are able to return to their homes in the northern part of the Strip remains a serious problem.

Recently, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz officially announced that Israeli forces eliminated Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in the summer of 2024. The operation was carried out in the Iranian capital, Tehran.

Also recently, on December 16, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) carried out air strikes on military facilities in the Syrian provinces of Latakia and Tartus. The targets were warehouses with weapons and ammunition.