Israel agreed to a ceasefire deal that would see the release of 40 women, elderly and sick hostages, but Hamas reportedly told negotiators it is unable to identify 40 living captives in that category who were kidnapped from Israel more than 6 months ago.
In exchange, Israel would have released hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and both Israel and Gaza would have had a six to eight week cease-fire, but Hamas told Egypt and Qatar, international mediators in the negotiations, that it does not have 40 hostages who would be in the category to release, according to multiple reports.
Of the more than 240 people who were abducted on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas invaded Israel and killed about 1,200 people, about 130 people, including dual nationals, remain captive, according to Israel.
However, Hamas has not provided a list of hostages who may be alive, and Israel says more than 30 of the hostages are presumed dead.
Eight Americans were also kidnapped, but at least two of them have been confirmed dead.
CIA Director Bill Burns laid out the proposal over the weekend in Cairo, and it was expected to be the first ceasefire phase, with later pauses that would result in the release of military-age men, including Israel Defense Forces soldiers.
