Israel–Hamas Hostage Deal Edges Closer Despite Fierce Fighting in Gaza

A handout image shows what the Israeli army says is a soldier operating in a location given as Gaza, amid the ongoing ground operation of the Israeli army against the Hamas terrorist group, released on Nov. 19, 2023. Israeli Army/Handout via Reuters

GAZA/JERUSALEM—U.S. and Israeli officials said a deal to free some of the hostages held in Gaza was edging closer.

About 240 hostages were taken during Hamas terrorists’ deadly cross-border rampage into Israel on Oct. 7, which prompted Israel to invade the territory to wipe out the terrorist group.