Israel remains optimistic about reaching a potential agreement with Hamas to secure the release of hostages, expecting progress in the near future.

The Israeli ambassador to the US, Michael Herzog, expressed hope that a deal for the release of a significant number of hostages would be reached in the coming days. He stated that "serious efforts" were being made, but he preferred not to disclose too many details as it could improve the chances of such a deal. Hamas had taken an estimated 240 people hostage during attacks on October 7th, which resulted in the death of 1,200 Israelis. Qatar, acting as a mediator, also stated that a deal was close. According to The Washington Post, Israel and Hamas were close to an agreement brokered by the US. The deal would involve the release of dozens of women and children held hostage in Gaza in exchange for a five-day pause in fighting. Qatar's Prime Minister, Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, mentioned that there were only minor obstacles remaining and that a deal was within reach. The US has not confirmed any progress yet. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ruled out a complete ceasefire. Qatar has played a leading role in mediating the release of hostages, and so far, four individuals, including two elderly Israeli women and a mother and daughter who are US nationals, have been freed. Protesters in Israel marched from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem demanding the government prioritize the release of the hostages. Netanyahu has faced criticism for not taking stronger actions to free those held by Hamas. The Israeli military recently discovered the bodies of two hostages in the Gaza Strip. Israel has launched a large-scale operation to eliminate Hamas through air and artillery strikes and the use of ground troops. The death toll in Gaza is reported to have reached 12,300, with more than 2,000 people feared to be buried under rubble.