Defense Minister Israel Katz: There's a real chance for a hostage deal

Defense Minister Israel Katz said today (Wednesday) at a visit to Tel Nof base that "the intensity of the pressure on Hamas is increasing - there is a chance we can really advance a hostage deal this time."

Minister Katz also said that "of course Hamas cannot rule Gaza, this is something which is entirely clear, because of what was and because of what might happen. We will not stop the war until we return all the hostages and until we achieve all the aims."

Channel 14 reported that a reported breakthrough in hostage talks is believed possible, and the cabinet is set to decide tomorrow evening whether to send a delegation to Cairo to reopen negotiations with Hamas.

Egypt has been working on a formula for ending the war and releasing the hostages for the past few weeks now, including hosting a delegation of both Hamas and Fatah to discuss not only the terms of the deal but also how the Gaza Strip will be governed "the day after."