Israeli Minister Without Portfolio Benny Gantz, who is also part of the Israeli war cabinet, said on Wednesday that “initial signs” show “progress can be made” toward a new hostage release framework.”We will not miss any opportunity to bring the [hostages] home,” Gantz underscored during the press conference in Tel Aviv, stressing that “no stone will be left unturned” until all those abducted on October 7 have safely been brought back home. However, Gantz clarified that without the outline of the possible hostage release deal, Israeli forces will continue to operate in Rafah during Ramadan. Gantz also expressed his support for the Knesset’s rejection of unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood, stressing that establishing a Palestinian state would be a “reward” for terrorism. NN: Getting closer all the time.
Oil prices up, WTI over 1%
The prices of oil futures rose on Wednesday as ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East kept on lifting investors’ worries about a possible escalation of conflict, which could disrupt the global supply of the commodity. Earlier, Israel carried out airstrikes in Damascus, Syria, leaving two people dead and it confirmed that it destroyed a Hamas tunnel. In addition, Iran blamed Israel for a ‘terrorist’ attack against a natural gas pipeline. Also, Houthis kept targeting international vessels in the Red Sea.