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Hamas is reportedly reaching out to other militant groups in the Gaza Strip to ascertain the number of Israeli hostages still alive, according to sources cited by Saudi-owned news outlet Asharq Al-Awsat.
The move comes as discussions around a potential hostage deal enter what is being described as a “new and final” phase, according to sources quoted by the Hezbollah-affiliated Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar.
Palestinian sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that Hamas leadership has been in contact with various militant factions operating in Gaza, including smaller groups, to gather information on the number of Israeli hostages in their captivity.
This effort marks a critical step as negotiations for a potential deal involving the hostages appear to be nearing completion.
Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict, numerous hostages, including Israeli citizens and foreign nationals, have been taken by Hamas and other militant organizations.
The fate of these individuals has remained uncertain, with both sides engaged in ongoing negotiations for their release.
Efforts have been complicated by the involvement of multiple armed factions within Gaza, each potentially holding hostages and seeking to leverage them in exchange for political or military gains.
The latest development is seen as part of broader efforts to finalize a ceasefire agreement or prisoner exchange deal.
According to reports, Hamas’s initiative to coordinate with other groups in Gaza is aimed at ensuring the accuracy of the information regarding the hostages’ conditions and whereabouts.
The finalization of this process is crucial to determining the scope and terms of any deal, particularly with respect to the number of hostages still alive.
The reported “final phase” of the negotiations, according to Al-Akhbar, signals a potential breakthrough in a process that has seen numerous setbacks.
While the details of these talks remain opaque, the involvement of both international and regional actors, including Qatar and Egypt, has played a pivotal role in brokering dialogue between Israel and Hamas.
The hostage crisis has remained one of the most sensitive aspects of the ongoing conflict. The uncertainty surrounding the number of hostages and their well-being has intensified pressure on both sides.
As of now, there has been no official confirmation of the exact number of hostages or their conditions, though the recent developments hint at a breakthrough in the months-long impasse.
While international efforts to bring an end to the conflict continue, the issue of hostages remains a focal point.
Both Israel and Hamas are under significant internal and external pressure to secure the release of the captives, with the international community closely monitoring the evolving situation.
As the hostage negotiations advance toward a possible resolution, the fate of those still in captivity remains uncertain.
However, the reported collaboration between Hamas and other factions in Gaza offers a glimmer of hope for the families of the hostages, who have been awaiting news of their loved ones’ safety for months.