Hamas ‘mapping out’ where hostages are held; Israel giving last chance for talks on a deal – TV report

Hamas has in recent days been “mapping out” where Israeli hostages are being held in Gaza, and what their situation is, Channel 12 reports, amid the current stuttering negotiations on a new hostage deal and with Israel reportedly demanding specific information regarding the 40 hostages whose potential release is at the heart of the indirect talks.

The unsourced TV report says Israel is therefore giving “a final opportunity” for the negotiations to bear fruit.

Israel has stayed away from ongoing contacts in Cairo this week, and US President Joe Biden said earlier today, “The hostage deal is in the hands of Hamas right now… there’s been a rational offer. The Israelis have agreed to it.”

The Channel 12 report says IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi approved operational plans for the IDF to tackle Hamas in the remaining parts of central Gaza and in Rafah 10 days ago, and now awaits government decisions on the matter.

It says “there is coordination with Egypt,” and “there are solutions” for the evacuation of Gaza citizens from Rafah, where four Hamas battalions are stationed.