A chance for Gaza hostage deal that includes US citizens, Israel defence chief says

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz waits for his British and French counterparts ahead of a meeting, amid the conflict betweenIsrael and Hamas, in Jerusalem August 16, 2024. REUTERS/Florion Goga/Files

(Reuters) - There is a chance now for a deal to release all the hostages held in Gaza, including U.S. citizens, Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz told his U.S. counterpart Lloyd Austin in a phone call on Wednesday, Katz's office said in a statement.

"Minister Katz updated Secretary of Defense Austin on the negotiations for the release of the hostages, and said that there is now a chance for a new deal that will allow the return of all the hostages, including those with American citizenship," Katz's office said in a statement.



(Reporting by Maayan Lubell; Editing by Howard Goller)