Netanyahu Signals Hostage Deal Imminent Amid Gaza Turmoil

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated a possible deal for the release of hostages held in Gaza as Israeli forces continued their raid in Khan Younis. Thousands fled amid intense airstrikes. Netanyahu discussed the situation with hostages' families and is set to meet President Biden. Mediation efforts are ongoing.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed families of Gazan hostages that a deal for their release might be close, his office announced on Tuesday amid ongoing fighting in the besieged Palestinian region. Israeli forces targeted Gaza's Khan Younis following civilian evacuations from areas allegedly used by Palestinian militants for attacks.

U.N. officials reported mass civilian displacement as Israeli airstrikes continued. Netanyahu is currently in Washington, scheduled to meet U.S. President Joe Biden later this week post his Congressional address. Addressing hostages' families in Washington, Netanyahu noted, 'The conditions for a deal are undoubtedly ripening. This is a good sign.' Efforts to establish a ceasefire, as outlined by Biden and mediated by Egypt and Qatar, have accelerated over the past month.

Netanyahu emphasized that the process would be gradual but expressed confidence in advancing the deal while retaining leverage for further negotiations. Ruby Chen, whose son's body is held in Gaza, expressed cautious optimism but urged Biden to apply more pressure on Netanyahu. An Israeli negotiation team will resume talks on Thursday. Previously, a week-long truce in November saw an exchange of 105 hostages for 240 Palestinian prisoners.