1m ago
What do we know about the Hamas hostages?
Reuters: An estimated 203 people, including 30 minors and young children and 20 people over the age of 60, are being held hostage in Gaza, Israel’s public broadcaster Kan said on Thursday, citing military sources.
Hamas says it has between 200 and 250 people. It said more than 20 hostages have been killed by Israeli air strikes, but has not given any further details.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appointed a retired general, Gal Hirsch, as Israel’s coordinator on hostages and missing persons.
Qatari mediators have said they have tried to negotiate freedom for Israeli women and children seized by Hamas in return for the release of 36 Palestinian women and children from Israel’s prisons, a source briefed on the talks told Reuters. So far, there has been no indication a deal might be at hand.
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U.S. President Joe Biden said his administration is “workin’ like hell” to find American hostages held by Hamas. The U.S. has sent a small team of special operations forces to Israel to help with intelligence and planning for any eventual operations to rescue the hostages.
White House says US president was only commenting on whether he wanted to see more hostages released
www.theguardian.com