Overview

• More than six months after Hamas seized over 250 hostages, the exact number of survivors remains uncertain.
• A proposed cease-fire deal involves Hamas releasing 40 hostages in exchange for Israel freeing Palestinian prisoners.
• Hamas has not confirmed the identification of 40 hostages meeting the criteria for release, stalling the talks.
• Over 100 hostages were released in November, but the fate of many others is still unknown.
• Negotiations are further complicated by political maneuvers and demands for a permanent cease-fire from Hamas.