U.S. and Israel have reached an understanding on the basic terms of a potential cease-fire deal in Gaza, with Egypt and Qatar expected to engage in indirect discussions with Hamas. Meanwhile, the Biden administration is urging Congress to approve additional military funding for Ukraine amid growing concerns about Russian threats and potential interference in the upcoming U.S. presidential election.
Hamas is demanding the release of 150 Palestinian prisoners for every female Israeli soldier freed from Gaza as part of a new cease-fire deal, which also includes the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip. Israel, however, rejects these specific demands and insists on "absolute victory." The proposed deal involves a three-stage process, including the release of civilian hostages, female Israeli soldiers, and deceased Israeli troops' bodies in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Negotiators are working towards finalizing the deal, with hopes of presenting it to Israel and Hamas by next week.
Dozens of Palestinian prisoners were released from Israeli prisons as part of a cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas. The freed prisoners, including minors and women, were welcomed home with celebrations and emotional reunions in the occupied West Bank. The exchange of prisoners came after the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. The prisoner release is seen as a bittersweet moment for families on both sides of the conflict, highlighting the ongoing tensions and the high number of Palestinians held in Israeli administrative detention.
The body of Shani Gabay, a 26-year-old Israeli woman who went missing after the Hamas attack on a music festival in Kibbutz Re'im, has been found. Yokneam Mayor Simon Alfasi confirmed the news, expressing his condolences to Gabay's family. Over 300 Israeli civilians were killed in the attack, which sparked the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. A temporary cease-fire deal has been reached, including the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, with the first group expected to be released on Thursday. Gabay's funeral is scheduled for Thursday, and the family has requested privacy during their mourning period.
