‘Their families are being killed,’ one of the officials said, explaining why Haniyeh and Sinwar are even discussing a possible hostage deal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that a hostage deal that would require a permanent ceasefire in Gaza before dismantling Hamas is a “red line” Israel is not willing to cross. “Their families are being killed,” one of the officials said, explaining why Haniyeh and Sinwar are discussing possibly agreeing to a hostage deal. The current hostage deal was negotiated last weekend in Paris by intelligence representatives from the US, Egypt, Qatar and Israel. Hamas says it will need time to locate all of the hostages who are being kept in different areas in Gaza.

Source: Wall Street Journal February 03, 2024 20:08 UTC