Israelis and Palestinians are signaling renewed efforts toward an even limited ceasefire agreement for the first time in a year. The deal would halt fighting in Gaza and return to Israel some of the hostages still being held in the Palestinian enclave.
Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz told his American counterpart Lloyd Austin in a phone call Wednesday that there is now a chance for a new deal that would allow the return of all hostages, including American citizens, Katz's office said. .
However, a Western diplomat in the region said the deal was likely to be limited, providing for the release of a small number of hostages and a brief cessation of fighting. Such a ceasefire would be only the second since the war began in October 2023.
Restrained optimism is being expressed as US President Joe Biden's national security adviser Jake Sullivan heads to Israel for talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday and then to Egypt and Qatar, which like the US are brokering a agreement.
Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump has demanded that militants from the Palestinian group Hamas release hostages held in Gaza before he takes over from Biden on January 20. Otherwise, Trump has said that they "will pay dearly".
Israel says 100 hostages continue to be held in Gaza. Seven are believed to be US citizens. (A2 Televizion)
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