Israeli officials said today that they had reduced the number of hostages they were asking Hamas to free in exchange for a temporary cease-fire in the war in Gaza.
For months, cease-fire talks have been at a standstill as Israel had demanded that Hamas release at least 40 hostages.
Now Israeli officials say they are prepared to settle for only 33, in part because they believe that some of the 40 have died in captivity.
Israel’s new offer included a 40-day cease-fire and the release of potentially thousands of Palestinian prisoners, according to Britain’s foreign minister.
A mid-ranking delegation from Israel is planning to fly to Cairo tomorrow to resume talks if Hamas agrees to attend.
Persons:
Antony Blinken
Organizations:
Hamas
Locations:
Gaza, Israel, U.S, Cairo