Negotiations Regarding Hostages Cease After Attack on Hamas, NBC Reports

Negotiations for the release of Israeli hostages have been halted following an attack on January 2 on the Hamas office in the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, according to NBC News, citing anonymous officials from the U.S. administration.

According to the network, there are currently no ongoing discussions for releasing the hostages; however, representatives of the Israeli authorities and Hamas leadership continue to communicate on other issues.

One of NBC News's sources noted that the attack on the Hamas office in Lebanon has “significantly affected the mood of the negotiators.” The source claims that the Hamas leadership is reluctant to release the hostages, fearing that Israeli attacks on the group's positions could sharply escalate immediately afterward.

On January 2, an Israeli drone struck the Hamas office in southern Beirut, resulting in the deaths of four individuals, including Saleh al-Arouri, the deputy leader of the movement.