Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Sunday, October 13, 2024
From the Liveblog of
Sunday, October 13, 2024
Official says Israel ‘always trying’ to progress toward hostage deal with Hamas
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleLazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
Israel is “always trying” to make progress toward a hostage release deal with Hamas, an Israeli official tells The Times of Israel.
The country “is always in conversation” with the US and Arab mediators about attempts to move forward, says the official.
“The problem is that [Hamas leader Yahya] Sinwar refuses,” he argues.
Israel has been trying to reach agreement on minor issues with Hamas in order to make progress, the official says. He says it even proposed a preliminary, smaller deal in order to build trust.
“Sinwar hoped there would be an escalation with Hezbollah that would save him. Now he’s waiting to see what happens after Israel strikes Iran.”
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
The Times of Israel Community.
JOIN THE TOI COMMUNITY
Already a member? Log in here