Regarding the Release of Hostages in Gaza, White House: There is Still Something to Be Done

JAKARTA - The White House says there are still a number of things that need to be done regarding the release of hostages in Gaza, but admits it is closer to being realized than before.

Saying that negotiations for the release of hostages in Gaza are in the final stages, the White House is reluctant to provide further details, considering it will affect ongoing negotiations.

"We believe we are closer than ever, so we are full of hope," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters, as reported by France24 from AFP November 21.

"But there is still work to be done. And nothing is done until everything is finished. So, we will continue to work on it," he continued.

Kirby added that arrangements were still being made on all sides.

"When you decide to implement it, you rely on everyone to fulfill their commitments. And that's what we did," he said.

As previously reported, President Biden believes an agreement is close to guaranteeing the release of a number of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, when speaking to reporters at the White House Monday.

"I believe so," said President Biden when asked about the possibility of a hostage release agreement, quoted by Reuters.

Separately, The Washington Post reported on Saturday that there was a tentative deal to free dozens of women and children held hostage in Gaza in exchange for a five-day pause in fighting.

Meanwhile Qatar's prime minister said on Sunday a deal to free 240 hostages taken by Hamas in its Oct. 7 attack on Israel in return for a temporary ceasefire now hinged on "minor" practical issues.

Last week, Reuters reported Qatar was seeking a deal between Israel and Hamas to exchange 50 hostages in return for a three-day ceasefire, which would help increase emergency aid deliveries to Gaza civilians, citing an official briefed on the talks.

It is known that around 240 people were arrested and taken hostage in the attack by the Hamas militant group on southern Israel on October 7. In addition, around 1,200 people died as a result of the raid, according to an Israeli tally.

This prompted Israel to bombard and blockade the enclave, before later carrying out ground operations in the city.

Meanwhile, authorities in Gaza said on Monday that the death toll from Israeli attacks had jumped to more than 13,300 people, as quoted by Anadolu.

In a statement, the Gaza-based state media office said the death toll included 5,600 children and 3,550 women.

He added that the dead also included 201 medical staff, 22 members of the civil defense rescue team and 60 journalists.