Defense Minister Katz to families of hostages: 'If a hostage deal reaches cabinet, it will pass'

Defense Minister Israel Katz told the families of hostages still in captivity on Friday that negotiations are underway, and that there is a higher chance than ever for a hostage deal.

Katz made statements similar to those of his US counterpart, Lloyd Austin, this week.

A Friday KAN report also cited Palestinian sources saying that Hamas is willing to reach a hostage release-ceasefire deal. The report also cited an Israeli source saying that there is progress for the gradual release of hostages. The deal currently being discussed between the parties includes the release of certain hostages, while according to foreign sources, there are plans to release the remaining female hostages first.

The mediators believe that if a limited deal is indeed struck, with the release of hostages, it will result in a dynamic that will ultimately lead to a full deal - including the release of all hostages, an end to the war, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces, including from the Philadelphi Corridor, the KAN report added.

Reporters weigh in on possible deal

"This is the first time since the hostage release deal in November of last year that there is a real opportunity. So if the deal reaches the cabinet - it will pass," reporter Mia Aiden said on Channel 13.

KAN 11's Palestinian correspondent Elior Levy reported that Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey are pressuring Hamas to work towards a hostage deal, with the full backing of the United States.

While it appears that the hostage deal is approaching, next week, about 20 families of hostages still in Gaza intend to intensify their protests against the government, with the main message being an end to the war, KAN 11 reporter Bar Shem-Ur said.

N12 reported that "Hamas is weak, isolated, and tired. The mediators are recognizing signs of weakness. The US is going one step further and said explicitly yesterday: 'A deal can be reached by the end of the month.'"

"The timetable presented by the US is not unreasonable," added N12 reporter Almog Booker. "Progress is slow - but it is there. Turkey has entered the picture very strongly, and they are also applying pressure on Hamas."