Israeli official says hostage deal could be ready by Hanukkah but reports suggest disagreements over details

By Lazar Berman

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15 December 2024, 8:32 pm

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Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter

A hostage deal with Hamas will likely be completed by Hanukkah, an Israeli official tells Israel Hayom.

Hanukkah starts on the evening of December 25.

For now, however, talks are hung up over the number of hostages to be released in a partial deal, according to Channel 13. Hamas insists on releasing far fewer than Israel demands, and Israel is not willing to budge, says the report.

According to Channel 12, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told US President-elect Donald Trump last night that the US must pressure Egypt and Qatar to in turn push Hamas to release more hostages.