New York Times newspaper, according to insiders:*


- Discussions for Hamas to release hostages, including Americans, in exchange for a short halt to the Israeli operation in Gaza.


Negotiations are underway for Hamas to release about 15 hostages and for Israel to stop its attacks on Gaza for 3 days.


The CIA Director helped facilitate negotiations for the release of the hostages.


Qatar plays a mediation role, as it did in two previous hostage-release operations.