Signs of life give new hope for Israeli hostage families as a deal is in sight

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After more than a year of uncertainty about whether their loved ones were alive or dead, several hostage families have gained new hope.

Proof of life has been provided for some of the hostages as part of the negotiations towards a ceasefire and hostage release deal. The relevant families have been informed, but their identities have been kept private.

Channel 12 reported on Friday that officials told the unnamed families, “The regional situation in general, the American influence, the status of the war, and more have led to a combination of circumstances that advances the possibility for effective negotiations,” according to the Times of Israel.

However, the report included the caution given by the officials, “It’s important to note that even though the conditions have improved, there are still challenges ahead, and we’re working and hoping for a breakthrough.”

The report said that the families were assured that efforts to reach a hostage deal with Hamas are always ongoing. Israeli officials have indicated to the media that a deal could be reached within days, while an Arab diplomat suggests within weeks.

Israeli officials also said that Hamas could stall the efforts at any point but that the military pressure of the ongoing war was helping, according to the Times of Israel.

A “humanitarian list” of hostages most vulnerable after almost 450 days in captivity is being discussed despite demands from protesters for a one-time deal releasing all at once.

The Jerusalem Post reported a warning from the head of the health department for the Hostage Families Headquarters, Prof. Hagai Levine, who said: "After 443 days in captivity, every hostage is a humanitarian case at immediate risk of death. The horrific conditions they endure have left them physically and mentally damaged, and we fear for their survival as winter sets in. All the hostages must be brought home in a deal—those who are alive for rehabilitation and those who have perished for a dignified burial."

In the early hours of this morning, the BBC cited a “senior Palestinian official” saying that negotiations towards a hostage release ceasefire deal were “90 percent complete” but that a few outstanding issues remain such as the creation of an IDF controlled buffer zone in the Philadelphi Corridor.

However, Defense Minister Israel Katz stated, "The Philadelphi Corridor and the Netzarim Corridor will not be an obstacle to implementing a deal. There is flexibility from the other side on these issues."

There is now agreement about which Palestinian security prisoners would be released during the first phase of the ceasefire in exchange for hostages, according to Channel 12. However, the Times of Israel reported that there is a dispute within Israel about whether the more dangerous prisoners listed would be released into the West Bank or overseas depending upon whether or not it would affect their ability to commit further terrorist attacks.