Israel has announced that it is close to a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, including the exchange of hostages. 94 people including Nepali citizen Bipin Joshi are under the control of Hamas.

In a meeting between the two parties that took place on Sunday night in Qatar, it is said that both sides have entered the stage of signing an agreement to release the hostages under their control.  "We have come close to agreeing to a hostage agreement. We are waiting for the final approval of Hamas," the Israeli media, The Israel Times, quoted Israeli officials as saying.

Hamas has also confirmed progress in the release of hostages and a cease-fire agreement, according to The Israel Times. "The time is very near for our brave citizens in Israeli jails to be free," said a statement issued by Hamas.  

It is said that this statement came after the success of the overnight talks in Doha. A Qatari official said that the final draft of the resolution had been handed over to both Israel and Hamas. Of the 251 hostages kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 94 are believed to be in Gaza. It also includes the bodies of at least 34 people who were confirmed dead by the Israeli army.