Tel Aviv, November 19: Hamas is likely to release those kidnapped from Israel in the next few days, according to information available from the Israel Prime Minister's office. However, it is not clear whether all 240 hostages, who are under the custody of Hamas, will be released in one go or batches. Discussions between Hamas and Israel have been taking place through back door for the past several days at the mediation of the US and Qatar.

While Hamas has been insisting on prisoner swap, it is not clear whether Israel has agreed to release Palestinian women and children from prisons. However, sources told IANS that Israel will agree to the release of women and under-aged prisoners as a part of the release of hostages. Israel-Hamas War: US President Joe Biden Rejects Ceasefire Calls in Gaza, Threatens Jewish Extremists in West Bank.

There could be a five-day ceasefire if hostages are released as per the proposed "agreement" between Israel and Hamas. Israel-Hamas War: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu Faces Battles on Multiple Fronts Amid Mounting Calls to Free Hostages.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed for more humanitarian aid to reach the Gaza Strip and this is also an indication that Israel will agree for a ceasefire for the next few days for the hostages to be released.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 19, 2023 02:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).