Israel and Hamas are near a deal to release 70 Israeli women and kids held hostage by the terrorists in exchange for some Palestinian prisoners and a five-day truce, officials said Tuesday. 

“I believe it’s going to happen,” President Joe Biden told reporters at the White House, adding when asked to give a “message for the families” of the hostages, “Hang in there, we’re coming.” An agreement could be announced within days once the final details are ironed out, a high-ranking Israeli official said.

“The general outline of the deal is understood,” said the official, who requested anonymity. While Israel has asked for the release of all 100 women and children currently held hostage, the number is likely to be smaller, or about 70 women and children, according to a statement from a Hamas rep.

Among the kidnapped are nine American citizens and a legal permanent US resident, but US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters at the White House on Monday, “I cannot look you in the eye and tell you how many of those hostages are still alive.”

Israel Army seizes Gaza Parliament

Meanwhile, in a major development, the Israel Defence Forces  (IDF) claimed that troops of the 7th Armored Brigade and Golani Infantry Brigade have captured several Hamas governmental buildings including Gaza Parliament and other crucial sites. 

Among the sites captured by the troops are the Hamas parliament, its government complex, and the police headquarters, Times of Israel reported citing an Army statement.

The report claimed that the heavily armed forces have also captured the governor’s house in Gaza and added Hamas militants and its so-called military wing were also destroyed in the latest raid. Citing the IDF, it said that the government’s house was also a depot for the Hamas intelligence division and other crucial sites used to plan a surprise attack on Israel on October 7.