Difficult assessment: The number of living hostages has decreased in the past two months

Amid reports of developments in the hostage deal, there are serious assessments within the security system regarding their condition, and it is estimated that the number of living hostages has decreased in the past two months – this was reported this evening (Sunday) on Channel 13.

The assessments come against the backdrop of a very serious warning issued by the IDF, stating that the hostages held in Gaza are being starved. Major General Nitzan Alon, who is responsible for the issue of the hostages on behalf of the IDF, said: "The situation of the hostages is deteriorating, some of them are being starved." There is a problem with access to supplies in the Strip. He also warned: "Some of the hostages are in very serious medical condition, and some are in life-threatening situations."

Additionally, the IDF is now identifying an opportunity to advance negotiations with the terrorist organization for a deal, even if it will be a partial deal, and this evening Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is convening a discussion regarding the hostages.

Earlier today, Channel 12 reported that professional sources estimate that Hamas has changed its "forever" strategy, as a senior Israeli official referred to it, meaning holding the captives indefinitely.