Qatar has been engaged in discussions with Hamas regarding the release of Israeli women and children who were captured, in exchange for the liberation of 36 Palestinian women and children from Israeli prisons, as reported by Reuters.
The source indicated that these discussions are progressing positively, although no significant breakthrough has been reached yet. Simultaneously, the Xinhua Agency reported that Hamas has conveyed to Qatar its willingness to consider a prisoner exchange agreement with the Israeli authorities, which includes the release of all Palestinian female detainees.
Qatar is mediating this urgent prisoner swap between Hamas and Israel. Earlier, Israel's defense minister had declared a "total blockade" on the Gaza Strip, including restrictions on food and fuel imports, as reported by Al Jazeera. Yoav Gallant, Israel's defense minister, announced a comprehensive siege on Gaza, involving the suspension of electricity and the blockade of essential supplies.
The conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas began following a barrage of over 2,000 rockets launched from the Gaza Strip on October 7. Hamas initiated a significant attack on Israel, infiltrating southern regions of the country, as reported by local media and medical professionals.
It's crucial to note that Gaza has been under a crippling air, land, and sea blockade since 2007. Additionally, the military wing of Hamas, the al-Qassam Brigades, reported that Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip had resulted in the deaths of four Israeli soldiers and multiple group fighters. The Israeli military continued its heavy bombardment of Gaza in response to Hamas's infiltration and attacks on its territory.
The conflict persisted between Israeli forces and Hamas for the third consecutive day after Hamas's incursion into Israeli-occupied territories by land, air, and sea, resulting in casualties on both sides.
Israel responded with airstrikes on Gaza, causing casualties and significant damage to residential buildings, including a 14-storey tower in central Gaza city. In southern Israel, Hamas fighters continued to engage Israeli security forces following a surprise assault to infiltrate nearby towns.