Israel and Hamas have reached a deal that would allow medications to be delivered to Israeli hostages in return for additional medicine and aid for Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip, officials said, marking a significant breakthrough in the indirect talks between the warring sides.
The agreement was announced on Tuesday by Qatar, who have served as a mediator.
A Hamas official, Basem Naim, later confirmed the agreement, and the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said a deal had been reached to send medicine to the hostages.
More than 120 hostages have been held in Gaza since Oct. 7, and many have health conditions that require regular medical care, including cancer and diabetes.
Their families have grown increasingly concerned as the war entered its fourth month and as hostages released in late November have shared harrowing accounts of their captivity.
Persons:
Basem Naim, Benjamin Netanyahu, Majed bin Mohammed al, Ansari
Organizations:
Hamas, Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Doha
Locations:
Israel, Gaza, Qatar, France, El Arish, Egypt