Uncertainty Over Hostage Count Stalls Gaza Cease-Fire Talks

Officials struggle to confirm the number of hostages still alive in Gaza, complicating negotiations for a proposed cease-fire.

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.