Tel Aviv (Israel) [India], December 17 (HBTV): Israel is "closer than ever" to finalising a deal with Hamas for the release of hostages held in Gaza, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz told Knesset lawmakers on Monday, as reported by the Times of Israel.

Katz's remarks were reportedly made during a closed-door meeting with the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee, though his comments were widely leaked to the Hebrew press. "Israel is closer than ever to another hostage deal," Katz was quoted as saying.

He emphasised the importance of discretion, echoing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statement following his conversation with US President-elect Donald Trump. Netanyahu affirmed that efforts to secure the hostages' release were ongoing but offered few details. "The less we talk about it, the better -- that way, with God's help, we will succeed," he stated.

Trump has warned of "unprecedented American firepower" against those holding hostages in the Middle East if they are not released by the time he assumes office on January 20.

According to the Times of Israel, Katz expressed confidence that the proposed deal would gain coalition support without internal obstacles. He clarified that the agreement would not include a ceasefire, a key demand from Hamas but opposed by many in Netanyahu's hard-right coalition. "There's flexibility on the other side. They understand we're not going to end the war," Katz reportedly said.

The conflict traces back to Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths and the capture of more than 250 hostages. Approximately 100 hostages are still believed to be in Gaza.

Israel's military response has led to intense operations targeting Hamas units in Gaza, resulting in over 45,000 reported Palestinian casualties.

Efforts to negotiate a second agreement have faced multiple setbacks since the first deal in November 2023, which secured the release of 105 hostages during a weeklong truce.

Additionally, Saudi-based Asharq News quoted a senior Hamas leader as saying that the sides were "closer than ever" to an agreement, pending Netanyahu's approval. The reported proposal includes a gradual end to the war and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, with international guarantees for implementation.

(ANI)