Efforts to reach a truce in Gaza have gained new momentum as Hamas confirmed it would release 10 hostages, signaling progress in mediated talks aimed at ending the months-long war with Israel. The announcement followed four days of indirect negotiations in Doha, mediated by Qatar, and came as U.S. officials expressed optimism that a 60-day ceasefire agreement could be finalized by the end of the week.

Signs of Progress, But Major Obstacles Remain

In its statement on Wednesday, Hamas acknowledged the complexity of the negotiations but said it had shown “the required flexibility” by agreeing to release 10 hostages. However, the group emphasized that key issues remain unresolved, including the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and credible assurances for a lasting peace.

“Despite the difficulty of negotiations due to the occupation’s intransigence, we continue to work seriously and with a positive spirit,” Hamas said, highlighting its desire to “end the suffering” of Palestinians and secure a future of “freedom, safety, and dignity.”

Israel and U.S. Voice Optimism

On the Israeli side, officials echoed cautious optimism. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, currently visiting Washington, told FOX Business that the negotiations were progressing. “I think we’re getting closer to a deal. There’s a good chance that we’ll have it,” he said.

Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and President Isaac Herzog also signaled that a short-term agreement might pave the way for more permanent solutions. Herzog described the current diplomatic moment as a “historic opportunity” amid global and regional shifts.

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that any emerging deal would involve the release of 10 living hostages, a move viewed as a critical step toward de-escalation. Of the 251 people taken hostage during Hamas’s October 7, 2023 assault on Israel, 49 remain in captivity, including 27 confirmed dead, according to Israeli military sources.

Ground Reality: Bloodshed Continues

Even as diplomacy advances, the violence on the ground persists. Gaza’s civil defense reported that at least 26 people, including six children, were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Wednesday. One of the strikes, according to witnesses, was so intense it “felt like an earthquake.”

The Israeli military claimed it targeted Hamas operatives in the Al-Shati refugee camp, but independent verification remains difficult due to restricted media access in the region.

Meanwhile, the Israeli army announced the death of another soldier, reflecting the ongoing toll of the conflict on both sides. Netanyahu remains committed to eliminating Hamas as a threat, despite mounting domestic and international calls for a ceasefire.

Challenges in Reaching a Deal

While both sides express openness to dialogue, significant divides remain. A Palestinian source familiar with the talks said that Israel’s delegation appeared to be “mostly listening rather than actively negotiating,” suggesting Netanyahu’s government may be stalling progress for political reasons.

Hamas, for its part, continues to demand a complete end to the war and a full Israeli withdrawal—conditions that Israel has so far rejected.

Qatari mediators cautioned earlier this week that reaching a final deal would take time, even as momentum builds. For now, both sides seem to agree that the release of a small group of hostages could serve as a catalyst for broader de-escalation.

Human Toll of the War

Hamas’s October attack on southern Israel left 1,219 people dead, mostly civilians, and triggered the current war. Since then, Israel’s military campaign has killed at least 57,680 Palestinians, including a large number of civilians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, figures that the United Nations deems credible.

As the Doha negotiations continue, the world watches closely, hoping the partial hostage release could mark the beginning of a broader resolution to one of the most devastating conflicts in recent Middle Eastern history.