The prime minister told the families that the return of the hostages is a "sacred mission," and that he and his "friends" are responsible for their return.

For the families, though, it didn't go far enough.

Udi Goren, whose cousin, Tal Chaim, is being held captive in Gaza, said, "What we've heard is that taking down Hamas and bringing the hostages are as important—are equally important. As far as I am concerned, and I represent myself and my family, this is incredibly disappointing."

Goren believes the return of the hostages should be the top priority now. Yet he says it makes sense that details of any deal are a secret.

"It makes you know, it just takes common sense to understand that if they told us about the details of the deal that is now being done, then it might jeopardize it," he stated.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh indicated a deal is close. Agence France Presse reported 50 to 100 Israeli and foreign civilian hostages would be released, in exchange for around 300 Palestinians in Israeli jails. The deal would include humanitarian aid into Gaza and a five-day truce.

The US also continues to hint at a soon-coming deal for at least some of the hostages.

"As you heard the deputy national security advisor say yesterday, we believe we're closer than we've ever been. So we're hopeful. But there's still work to be done, and nothing is done until it's all done," said National Security Council Spokesman John Kirby.

Inside Gaza, fighting continues. Over the last day, The Israeli military says it struck some 250 terror targets, including dozens of terrorists, rocket launchers, and terrorist infrastructure.

According to the IDF, one rocket-launching post was located in a civilian residential area.

Terrorists launched a heavy barrage of rockets from that Gaza location toward Tel Aviv on Monday.

Troops also found a weapons stockpile in the residence of a senior terrorist, including in a baby's room.

The fighting is not limited to Gaza in southern Israel. Along the northern border with Lebanon, heavy exchanges of fire ensued, as Hezbollah launched rockets at communities.

Hezbollah caused heavy damage to an Israeli army base. The Iranian-backed group has conducted regular attacks since October 7th, but so far, there is little sign it plans a full-scale assault. Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here

Julie Stahl is a correspondent for CBN News in the Middle East.

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

Why the New RomCom ‘MERV’ Can Bring You Joy This Christmas

How the 'Heavens Declare the Glory of God': What One Man's Research Has Revealed about The Star of Bethlehem

Over 50 Tren de Aragua Gang Members Imported Under Democrats Indicted in Nebraska in Massive Nationwide ATM Jackpotting Scheme

205 Child Victims Located and Rescued in DOJ Sex Exploitation Op

Trump Admin Pausing All Off Shore Wind Project Construction Due To National Security Concerns

Trump Grants Federal Workers Two Additional Christmas Holidays

America Fest 2025: Erika Kirk Endorses 'My Husband's Friend' JD Vance for President

Brent Bozell Confirmed as US Ambassador to South Africa

Jury Quickly Convicts Judge Who Helped Illegal Migrant Escape ICE

Feds Estimate Somali-Linked Fraud in Walz's Minnesota Could Top $9 Billion

Trump SUSPENDS 'Green Card Lottery' after Program Let Brown University–MIT Shooting Suspect Enter the US

Brown, MIT Shooter Found Dead for Days in NH Storage Unit; Motive Still a Mystery

House Passes Bill to Criminalize Transgender Mutilation of Children

November Inflation Falls to 2.7%, Lower than Expected: 'This Is Good News for Wall Street; It’s Good News for Main Street'

MOVIEGUIDE's Review of the New Animated Film: DAVID

Massachusetts Drops Controversial Gender Ideology Mandate for Licensing Foster Care Parents

Nearly 40% of Women Suffer Severe Grief for Years after Abortion, Miscarriage: Study

Former Pfizer Vice President: COVID Shots Were 'Designed to Cause Injury,' Reduce Fertility

Dutch Sheets Shares a Warning from the US National Counterterrorism Center

Venezuela: Trump's Pressure Campaign and Maduro's Fury