Israel 'more optimistic' about possibility of Gaza hostage deal

JERUSALEM/CAIRO - Israel is now more optimistic about a possible hostage deal in Gaza, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Dec. 9, amid reports that Hamas had asked for lists of all hostages still held by militant groups in the Palestinian enclave.

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He said indirect negotiations were under way for the return of about 100 hostages, and that while it was still too early to be sure, prospects had improved.

"We can be more optimistic than before, but we are not there yet. I hope we will be there," Mr. Saar told a press conference in Jerusalem, reiterating Israel's position that the hostages still held in Gaza must be returned before Israel agrees to an end to the fighting.

"There will not be a ceasefire in Gaza without a hostage deal."

A Palestinian official with knowledge of the mediation effort said Hamas had asked other factions in Gaza to start listing the names of Israeli and foreign hostages in their custody, whether dead or alive.