Countless lives hang in the balance as the Israel-Hamas war continues well over a month now, with no end in sight. The Israeli government has been engaged in talks with Hamas in order to free hostages still being held captive in Gaza.
At the same time, they are pushing ahead with a military campaign that could endanger their lives or lead to a successful rescue mission. This has caused quite a stir across the region as hospitals in northern Gaza are struggling to manage the crisis.
The individuals close to these negotiations have expressed their concerns about time running out and how Hamas may decide that they have nothing left to lose if Israel continues making headway on this ground assault.
Hamas suspends hostage talks over Israeli attacks near Al Shifa hospital#Israel_Hamas_conflict #Israel_Palestine_war #Gaza_Strip #Palestinian_militant #Israeli_Defense_Forces #security #Middle_East #hostage_talks #Al_Shifa_hospital #hostage_negotiations #Benjamin_Netanyahu pic.twitter.com/RdALCyibrG
— Arirang News (@arirangtvnews) November 13, 2023
According to diplomats involved in hostage talks, there is a possibility that between 10-20 hostages will be released initially and then followed by a 1-3 day pause of hostilities while aid, including fuel, would be supplied. Another point that needs to be discussed is the sequence of events such as when fuel would be delivered.
Five hostages have been freed or released since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7th which resulted in hundreds killed. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged knowing “a great deal” about where the hostages were being held but refused further comment. Michael Levy, whose brother Or is one of those taken hostage, said he was doing his best to remain hopeful despite feeling like his family was being toyed with by Hamas through videos they were releasing with their captives saying what appeared to be scripted lines.
United States Biden administration officials revealed information Sunday regarding potential exchange involving 80 women and children prisoners released from captivity against Palestinian women and teenagers held prisoner within Israel’s boundaries but there’s no certainty yet if it succeeds or fails given current situation obtaining between the two sides locked into conflict mode.
