Joe Biden says deal is close to release Gaza hostages | BBC News

The US President Joe Biden has confirmed that he believes a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas is close. It's believed that it would involve Hamas releasing captives in return for pauses in the fighting in Gaza, to allow deliveries of humanitarian aid.

Around 240 hostages were taken on 7th October when Hamas gunmen raided southern Israel.

The White House says they are closer than ever before to freeing some of those who were seized and taken to Gaza.

Meanwhile a group of 28 premature babies who were trapped by fighting around the the al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City have arrived in Egypt for medical treatment.

Sophie Raworth presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Orla Guerin and Frank Gardner.