Qatar declines to comment on possible Israel-Hamas hostage deal

DOHA, Qatar

Qatar on Tuesday declined to comment on reports of an imminent hostage deal between Israel and Palestinian group Hamas until an official announcement is made.

"We cannot announce any developments until this agreement is finalized and its official announcement is made," Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reported progress on reaching such a deal early on Tuesday for the release of Israelis held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Israeli public broadcaster KAN had earlier reported that Gulf nation Qatar may announce a cease-fire in Gaza, under which a prisoner swap would take place between the Palestinian and Israeli sides.

Citing an Israeli source familiar with details of the prospective deal, KAN said the agreement was about to be finalized and Qatar may announce the terms later on Tuesday.

Hamas is believed to be holding at least 239 Israelis following a cross-border attack on Oct. 7.

Israel has launched relentless air and ground attacks in the Gaza Strip following the Hamas attack, killing more than 13,300 Palestinians, including 5,600 children and 3,550 women, according to health authorities in the enclave.

Thousands of buildings, including hospitals, mosques, and churches, have also been damaged or destroyed in Israel’s air and ground attacks on the besieged enclave.

The Israeli death toll, meanwhile, is around 1,200, according to official figures.