Hostage deal nears amid ceasefire talks between Israel, Hamas

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that a new deal to secure the release of more Israeli hostages held by Hamas could be reached within days, indicating that a 60-day ceasefire is likely.

According to Israeli figures, Hamas still holds 50 hostages captured during its October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel, which killed about 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages taken. In response, Israel launched a sustained military campaign in Gaza that has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians and devastated the enclave, according to Gaza's health authorities.

On Thursday, an Israeli airstrike hit Palestinians near a medical centre in Gaza on Thursday, killing 10 children and six adults, local health authorities said.

Two ceasefires have occurred since the war on Gaza began — in November 2023 and January 2025 — but neither resulted in a lasting resolution.

Hamas has warned that "several sticking points" remain, including the continued presence of Israeli troops in Gaza, humanitarian aid flows and “genuine guarantees for a permanent ceasefire".

Netanyahu’s comments were made while wrapping up a visit to Washington, his third since US President Donald Trump took office in January.

Referring to Trump, Netanyahu said, "We've never had such a friend, such a support of Israel, the Jewish state in the White House."

Last month, the US and Israel jointly targeted Iranian nuclear sites. Trump said the operation "obliterated" three facilities.

Iran said its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes and denied seeking atomic weapons.