Hopes grow of deal to free hostages in Gaza -_ BBC News

There are hopes that a deal may be reached soon to release some of the Israeli hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza.

Israel's ambassador to the United States said he was hopeful that a "significant number" of hostages could be released "in the coming days”. A White House spokesman said that negotiations to free hostages held in Gaza were at a ”very sensitive stage” with “significant progress in recent days”.

Hamas gunmen seized more than 200 hostages when they raided southern Israel on 7th October, killing 1,200 people.

Israel launched its offensive in Gaza in response to the attacks. The Health Ministry in Gaza which is controlled by Hamas says more than 13,000 people have been killed there.

Clive Myrie presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Orla Guerin in Jerusalem.