Gallant: Gaza Agreement "Closer Than Ever"

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated on Thursday that an agreement regarding hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza is "closer than ever." Gallant was speaking to families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza since October 7. He said, "A month ago, I was pessimistic about our chances of reaching an agreement anytime soon, and one of my main goals in all my meetings in the U.S. was to pressure Hamas to reach an agreement, understanding there would not be a better deal," according to a report by Israel's Channel 12. He added, "Today, I say this cautiously, we are closer than ever." This statement comes as an Israeli official reported on Thursday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved sending a negotiating team to discussions in an attempt to reach an agreement for the release of hostages in exchange for a ceasefire with Hamas.