Agreement Reached for Gaza Aid, Including Assistance to Hostages amid Israel Gaza Conflict

According to Qatari mediators, Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza. The deal, brokered by Qatar and France, includes the provision of medicines to hostages held by Hamas. In return, Israel will permit the entry of additional basic supplies into Gaza, where conditions have become dire after months of Israeli bombardment. The United States expresses optimism that further discussions may lead to the release of more hostages. The US Middle East envoy has held serious and intensive talks in Qatar to explore the possibility of such an agreement. Qatar's foreign ministry has confirmed the agreement on aid, which involves the transportation of humanitarian supplies from Doha to Egypt before reaching Gaza, while medicines will be delivered to Israeli captives. Approximately 132 hostages are believed to still be held in Gaza, while the series of raids by Hamas on 7 October resulted in 240 people being captured, with the majority being civilians. The extensive Israeli bombardment of Gaza has resulted in the deaths of over 24,000 people, predominantly women and children. Palestinian officials estimate that 85% of Gaza's population has been displaced. Although more aid is now reaching Gaza, the UN's humanitarian chief has described the situation as "intolerable."