Israel-Hamas Hostage Deal Expected by November 22, Despite Challenges
Amid Global Collaborations, both parties are expected to sign a "legal documentary agreement" to formalize the resolution
Reuters Photos
In the arena of Israel-Hamas negotiations and the unfolding dynamics of a hostage exchange, a cautiously optimistic tone emerges for the imminent finalization of a deal. Despite encountered challenges, an expectation lingers that the agreement will reach fruition prior to November 22nd.
Furthermore, off-record contacts and negotiations are underway with a third party facilitating the peace deal. The involved parties are anticipated to sign a “legal documentary agreement” to formalize the resolution. Some Gulf states are actively collaborating to prevent further escalations between Israel and Hamas, according to a senior diplomatic source who spoke on the condition of anonymity with The Newser on Sunday.
The Israeli government faces notable pressure amid widespread protests targeting the perceived brutal and indiscriminate attacks by the Israel Defense Force (IDF). Demonstrations are particularly emphasizing the significant loss of life, especially among children in Gaza.
“The involvement of world powers as guarantors will provide a framework and support. The finalization of the agreement is expected within a few days, not extending beyond November 22nd,” stated the official. The ongoing political implications of hostage release and conflict resolution in the Middle East are crucial aspects of these developments in the regional hostage crisis.
Yemen’s Houthi Hijacks Israeli ‘Galaxy Leader’
Meanwhile. Yemen’s Houthi militia seizes the ‘Galaxy Leader,’ an Israeli ship, with 22 crew members onboard in the Red Sea. Houthi spokesman warns of targeting all Israeli-affiliated vessels, urging countries to withdraw their citizens from such crews.
Earlier, Houthi’s military spokesperson, Yahya Sarea, announced on Sunday that the group will target ships owned or operated by Israeli companies or flying the Israeli flag. Sarea urged all countries to withdraw their citizens from the crews of these ships.
Qatar cites “just logistical” challenges in Israel-Hamas hostage deal.
Earlier, Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, mentioned on Sunday that obstacles to a deal for releasing hostages held by Hamas had diminished to “very minor” practical issues. This followed a Washington Post report about a supposed agreement for the release of 50 hostages, which the White House denied.
Reuters also reported Qatari mediators seeking a deal between Israel and Hamas, involving a swap of 50 hostages for a three-day ceasefire. Despite a general agreement, negotiations continued on specific details. Sheikh Mohammed expressed confidence in nearing a deal, citing mainly practical and logistical challenges. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that no final deal had been reached. Nevertheless, Sheikh Mohammed noted ongoing efforts and recent progress in communication with both Israelis and Hamas.
IDF Helicopter Hits Israeli Festivalgoers in Hamas Attack
A Haaretz report challenges the official Israeli narrative on an October 7 Hamas attack. The investigation reveals an Israeli military helicopter mistakenly struck festival participants near Kibbutz Re’im, as Hamas fighters blended in with the crowd. Israeli forces, facing difficulty identifying combatants, used artillery against the participants. Contrary to claims of deliberate targeting by Hamas, the report highlights the complexities in distinguishing civilians from combatants during conflict. The incident resulted in casualties, underscoring the tragic consequences of misidentifications amid ongoing hostilities between Israel and Palestinian groups. The report questions the established narrative, shedding light on the challenges faced by Israeli forces in such situations.
Israel bombards Gaza, 31 dead; evacuees seek southern refuge
Similar circumstances persist in the north and south as Israel continues bombardment of Gaza’s southern regions, resulting in 31 casualties, including two journalists, in strikes at the Nuseirat and another refugee camp. Residential buildings in Khan Younis are demolished, with two deaths and multiple injuries reported at the European hospital. Evacuated Palestinians now consider the south of Gaza a safer refuge.
Netanyahu Defends Gaza Fuel Decision Amid Criticism
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended his decision to allow two fuel tankers daily into Gaza during a lengthy cabinet meeting, citing the need to maintain international legitimacy for military operations. The move faced opposition from his far-right coalition concerned about aiding Hamas, despite the enclave’s dire humanitarian situation and UN warnings of potential starvation. Critics argued the fuel could be misused, but Netanyahu emphasized the importance of averting accusations of war crimes and preserving Israel’s international standing.
Biden Threatens Visa Bans for West Bank Attacks on Palestinians
In Joe Biden’s op-ed published in The Washington Post on Saturday, he emphasized the U.S. commitment to ending the conflict in Gaza and underscored the critical importance of supporting Ukraine against Russia. Biden outlined that for the Gaza conflict to end, Hamas must release prisoners and hand over leaders linked to the Oct 7 attack for accountability. He reiterated support for a two-state solution, emphasizing the need for a separate, independent Palestinian state. Additionally, Biden expressed concern about ongoing settler violence in the West Bank and stated that the administration is ready to impose visa bans on those attacking Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
15 Palestinians killed in Israeli Bombing of Central and Southern Gaza
On Sunday, fifteen Palestinians lost their lives in Israeli air bombardments in the central and southern Gaza Strip, as reported by the Palestinian news agency Wafa. Thirteen individuals were killed in an attack on a residence in Nuseirat camp in central Gaza, and a woman along with her child lost their lives in southern Khan Younis city, according to Wafa.
Israeli Report: Hamas Had No Plans to Attack Music Festival on Oct 7
Hamas fighters, responsible for an attack at a music festival in Israel on Oct 7, reportedly did not plan the assault on the event in advance, according to Israeli media. Palestinian fighters initially targeted nearby locations but discovered the festival through drones and parachuted into Israel. The attack resulted in the breach of Israel’s high-security barrier, with 1,200 casualties, mostly civilians. A police investigation suggested that Hamas did not intend to target the festival, and the assailants approached it from a nearby highway, not the border. An Israeli military helicopter fired at the attackers, inadvertently hitting some festival attendees.
Netanyahu Faces Pressure to Reach Agreement with Hamas
The White House has refuted reports of its involvement in a potential agreement between Israel and Hamas, as leaked to the Washington Post. Similar discussions, involving prisoner releases and temporary ceasefires, have been reported in the media before. While ongoing discussions have been noted for weeks, the situation suggests a potential closeness to an agreement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces increased pressure to reach a resolution, with the Washington Post’s article emerging shortly after a dismissed opinion piece by President Biden.
Israeli Military Orders Southern Gaza Strip Evacuation via Leaflets
A report for ITV’s Good Morning Britain revealed that the Israeli military has dropped leaflets on areas in the south of the Gaza strip ordering people to evacuate. In recent weeks, Israeli forces have been telling Palestinians in northern Gaza to head south to “safer” areas.
US Urges Israel-Hamas Deal for Hostage Release, Five-Day Ceasefire
As of now, the United States has not reached a deal between Israel and Hamas. White House National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson stated, “We have not reached a deal yet, but we continue to work hard to get to a deal.” This comes in response to the Washington Post reporting a tentative agreement for the release of women and children in Gaza in exchange for a five-day pause in fighting.
