No deal with Hamas on release of hostages: Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed reports saying that he has struck a deal with the Hamas on the release of hostages.

His statement on Saturday came a day after The Washington Post reported that Israel, US and the Hamas are in the process of reaching an agreement to release over 50 hostages in exchange for a five-day hiatus in fighting.

“There was no deal on the table,” Netanyahu told reporters when asked a question on the same.

“We want to get back all the hostages. We’re doing the utmost to bring back the most possible, including in stages, and we are united on this,” The Times of Israel quoted him as saying.

Hamas took over 240 people hostages when it launched a surprise offensive on Israel on October 7.