"Stalled Hostage Negotiations: Hamas Demands Fuel Deliveries to Gaza Amid Growing Anger and Protests"
Hostage negotiations between Hamas and Israel have stalled as Hamas demands fuel deliveries to Gaza and declines to guarantee the release of a large number of foreign captives. Talks were going well on Thursday, but differences emerged on Friday, leading to a temporary impasse. The negotiations involve the release of 230 hostages, including children and the elderly, and have been ongoing since a terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7. Israel launched the second phase of its offensive on Friday evening, sending ground troops into Gaza. Trust between the sides has evaporated, with Israeli officials accusing Hamas of dragging out the negotiations to delay a ground invasion. However, Hamas has expressed willingness to continue negotiating and proposed an immediate exchange deal for the release of all prisoners.
