Several political circles were optimistic about the possibility of concluding an imminent hostage swap deal, under which a large number of American and dual-national hostages would be released, in exchange for providing fuel to Gaza’s hospitals, increasing the number of humanitarian aid trucks, and opening the Rafah crossing for the stranded. According to Axios, an American news website, Israeli and US officials pointed to the potential release of 80 women and children detained by Hamas, in exchange for Israel freeing Palestinian women and children held in Israeli prisons.