In a show of solidarity, dozens of protesters gathered outside the UNICEF offices in Tel Aviv, calling for the immediate release of hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza. The demonstrators sought cover as rocket sirens blared across central Israel. The plea for freedom comes as negotiations between Israel and Hamas, mediated by Qatar, show signs of progress.

According to Qatari mediators, Hamas expressed its readiness to release a group of 50 captives in the first stage of the negotiations. In exchange, they seek a four-to-five-day pause in fighting, the release of approximately 150 Palestinian children and women currently imprisoned in Israel, and the entry of fuel into Gaza. However, Hamas clarified that the whereabouts of all the kidnapped individuals are not known, and they would need time to gather them during the initial days of the truce, on the condition that Israel refrains from airstrikes.

Israeli officials, on the other hand, claimed that an additional 20-25 hostages must be included in the initial release in order to enable the freedom of all families, including children, mothers, and elderly women. The discussions reveal a delicate balance as both sides strive to find common ground.

Simultaneously, U.S. President Joe Biden expressed optimism on Monday, stating that a deal to secure the release of the hostages held by Hamas is near. These comments from President Biden add further weight to the ongoing negotiations and highlight the global attention on the situation.

In the midst of negotiations, rocket sirens were repeatedly activated on both the southern and northern borders overnight. The IDF reported that the Biranit military base in the Western Galilee was heavily damaged by rocket fire earlier on Thursday. However, no injuries were reported.

In another concerning development, the Hezbollah-run TV channel, Al-Manar, broadcasted footage of Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels hijacking a cargo ship in the southern Red Sea. Although the vessel, Galaxy Leader, was reportedly owned by an Israeli businessman, there were no Israelis on board. This incident further underscores the regional complexities and tensions surrounding the hostage situation.

In response, Iran denied any involvement in the seizure of the cargo ship and dismissed Israeli claims as baseless. The Houthis, who are aligned with Iran, have been launching missile and drone attacks against Israel in solidarity with the Palestinian Hamas militants.

As negotiations for the release of hostages continue, the international community remains focused on supporting efforts to bring an end to the hostage crisis. French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans for medical aid to the Gaza Strip, including mobile units and a helicopter carrier to provide support to hospitals and transfer sick and injured children.

Despite conflicting reports regarding a pause in the fighting, Israeli officials have denied the claim that a ceasefire will come into effect on Monday morning. The negotiations are ongoing, and the search for a resolution persists as pressure mounts to secure the release of the hostages and restore calm to the region.