Report claims both Israel, Hamas ready for hostage-ceasefire deal

Mediators cited by Lebanese outlet al-Akhbar report that there are unprecedented levels of readiness for a hostage deal in Gaza from both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas.

The report by the pro-Hezbollah newspaper is the latest indication that the sides may be moving closer toward a deal aimed at freeing hostages kidnapped on October 7, 2023, or earlier and stopping over a year of fighting. An Israeli report Sunday quoted an Israeli official saying an agreement could be inked by December 25.

According to Egyptian security sources speaking to the outlet, inconclusive talks over the past several days were aimed at expanding the deal on the table to include more hostages and a longer cessation of hostilities.

Jerusalem and Cairo also remain at loggerheads over the future management of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, the paper reports.