Sources in the security establishment have not ruled out the possibility that a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah, in a manner that binds the Lebanese terror organization, could lead to a breakthrough in negotiations with Hamas for the release of hostages, Walla reported on Tuesday.
Such a deal could reportedly include maintaining Israeli control over the Philadelphi Corridor
Additionally, a senior security official on Sunday told Walla that the military pressure placed on Hamas and its allies has brought the possibility of achieving a deal to return the hostages closer than ever before.
The Israeli outlet reported that security officials believe Hamas's ability to coordinate its activities with Hezbollah has been severed, placing the terror organization under immense pressure.
Around half of the hostages remaining in Gaza are estimated to be still alive
Early this month, Israel Hayom reported that Israeli officials believe 51 of the 101 hostages remaining in Gaza are still alive.
Walla later reported that President Isaac Herzog, in a meeting with President-elect Donald Trump, confirmed that around 50 remained alive.
Last week, Hamas claimed that a female Israeli hostage had been killed in an area of northern Gaza that the IDF had struck.