ISLAMABAD: Qatar has been in talks with Hamas to secure the release of Israeli women and children who were captured in exchange for the release of 36 Palestinian women and children from Israeli jails.
According to a source, talks are progressing positively, but no breakthrough has been achieved yet.
Meanwhile, Xinhua Agency has reported that Hamas informed Qatar that it does not object to a prisoner exchange deal with the Israeli regime, including the release of all Palestinian female prisoners. Qatar is mediating an urgent prisoner swap between Hamas and Israel.
Earlier, Israel’s defense minister announced a “complete siege” of Gaza, indicating plans to cut electricity and block the entry of food and fuel. This move follows a barrage of more than 2,000 rockets fired from Gaza on October 7, which initiated a battle between Israeli forces and Hamas. Hamas launched a significant attack on Israel, infiltrating southern regions of the country.
Gaza has been under a crippling air, land, and sea blockade since 2007.
The military wing of Hamas, the al-Qassam Brigades, reported that Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip led to the deaths of four Israeli soldiers and multiple group fighters. The Israeli military continued its heavy pounding of Gaza in response to Hamas’s infiltration and attacks into Israeli territory.
The battle between Israeli forces and Hamas has continued for three days after Hamas infiltrated Israel-occupied territories by land, air, and sea, resulting in casualties on both sides. Israel launched airstrikes on Gaza, causing numerous casualties and extensive damage to residential buildings, including a 14-storey tower in central Gaza city.
In southern Israel, Hamas fighters continued to engage Israeli security forces 24 hours after a surprise assault that sent hundreds of fighters into nearby towns.
