Hostage Deal

Trump:

'Good chance' for deal with Hamas this week

President Trump anticipates a "good chance" of a deal with Hamas this week to release remaining hostages. He also plans to discuss a "permanent deal" with Iran with PM Netanyahu.

Netanyahu’s office:

'Hamas’s requested changes are unacceptable'

Netanyahu’s office clarifies: The changes Hamas seeks to make to the Qatari proposal were conveyed to us last night and are unacceptable to Israel. The negotiation team will nonetheless depart for talks in Qatar.

Netanyahu's promise to Smotrich and Ben Gvir

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggests those threatening to leave government over deal's approval wait until end of Knesset recess, allowing time to reassess.

Israeli delegation headed to Doha amid hostage deal concerns

Hostages Families Forum warns against partial deals, calls for a comprehensive agreement to bring all 50 hostages home.

Hamas agrees to ceasefire core, seeks minor tweaks

Hamas responds positively to the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release proposal, expressing agreement with its core while requesting "minor amendments." The group says it is ready to immediately enter a round of negotiations. Israeli official confirms receipt of Hamas response.

US Embassy:

Hostage families mark July 4th, call for 'One big beautiful deal'

On US Independence Day, hostage families gather at the US Embassy in Tel Aviv, urging President Trump to seize the opportunity for a comprehensive deal to bring home all 50 hostages and end the war.

Report:

Hamas agreed to proposed hostage deal

Media outlets in Gaza report that Hamas has conveyed a positive response to Qatar regarding the proposed ceasefire and hostage release deal. Hamas: We are holding consultations.

Trump:

'I want to see the people of Gaza safe'

Trump speaks to reporters amid speculation that a hostage release deal is close: I want to see the people of Gaza safe, they have been through hell.

Edan Alexander to Trump:

They treated me better once you won the election

Edan Alexander tells Trump his captors eased conditions after election; President vows continued efforts to free remaining hostages.

Hostages families to PM:

Reach deal that guarantees return of every last hostage

Families of most of the remaining hostages sent a letter to Prime Minister Netanyahu demanding a deal that eliminates the need for cruel selections and categories.

Report: New proposal for Gaza ceasefire deal

New 60-day ceasefire proposal includes phased release of hostages, IDF withdrawal from Gaza, and international guarantees, aiming for a permanent agreement.

First Look:

Families allow publication of Hamas videos of hostages

The families of hostages Maxim Herkin and Bar Kuperstein have agreed to the circulation of a Hamas video of their loved ones.

Karoline Leavitt:

'Hostages' faith through the horrors was inspiring'

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt met with a group of released hostages in Washington DC and promised that the US administration was working to recover the other hostages and end the war.

Proposed deal:

Five hostage releases over a 60-day ceasefire

New York Times reports that the new ceasefire proposal between Israel and Hamas calls for a 60-day truce involving the staggered release of 10 living hostages and 18 bodies in five groups, as well as a ban on televised handovers.

Lapid offers to counter:

Will Smotrich and Ben-Gvir shoot down hostage deal?

Ben-Gvir pushes for united front against hostage deal as Lapid pledges support to ensure it passes.

Trump:

'Israel agreed to ceasefire terms, Hamas should take this deal'

President Trump announces on Truth Social that Israel has agreed to conditions for a 60-day Gaza ceasefire and hostage release. He urges Hamas to accept the deal, warning of worsening conditions if they refuse.

'We must seek what unites us'

Rabbi Perez on hostages and national unity

In emotional interview, father of fallen soldier Daniel Perez urges Israelis to unite beyond politics and pursue a responsible deal for the hostages.

Qatar: No ongoing talks on Gaza ceasefire

A spokesperson for Qatar’s Foreign Ministry says no ceasefire discussions are currently underway and accuses Israel of obstructing humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Smotrich on hostage deal:

'No more dialogue with murderers, we must win'

Minister Smotrich hails strategic victories over Iran, Hezbollah, and Syria, urging total defeat of Hamas without concessions or negotiations to ensure lasting security.

Trump:

'I think we can get a Gaza ceasefire within a week'

Speaking to reporters, President Trump says he believes a ceasefire in Gaza could be achieved within the next week.

Aunt of murdered hostage:

'We must reach a deal to bring everyone back'

Hana Cohen, aunt of Inbar Hayman - murdered by Hamas and whose body is held in Gaza - calls on the government in an interview with Arutz Sheva-Israel National News to advance a comprehensive deal for the return of all hostages, both living and dead.

Hamas claims progress in Gaza ceasefire talks

Saudi media reports renewed momentum in Gaza ceasefire negotiations; US President Trump says Iran strike may aid hostage release.

Egypt pushes to renew Israel-Hamas talks after Iran ceasefire

Efforts resume to renew talks for ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, with coordination from Qatar and new proposals expected in the coming days.

Hostage families to Trump:

'Seize Iran crisis as opportunity for comprehensive deal'

Families of 53 Gaza hostages implore President Trump to secure their loved ones' release amid escalating Middle East tensions, stress the urgency of seizing the current moment while Iran and Hamas are weakened.

Conditions not met

Israel rejects request to renew negotiations with Hamas

Mediators approached Israel with a request to send a delegation to talks about a hostage and ceasefire deal in Sharm El-Sheikh, but an Israeli official claims the conditions have not yet been met.

Mother of slain hostage:

'People often ask me, are you sure?'

Yifat Haiman, mother of hostage Inbar Haiman, warns: “If we proceed in stages, my daughter could disappear. I live in total uncertainty - I don’t know her condition.”

Netanyahu on hostage talks: 'There has been great progress'

Prime Minister Netanyahu said there was progress being made to achieve a hostage deal, but noted: 'It's early to give hope.'

Israeli officials: 'We can reach a deal'

Israeli officials with knowledge of the hostage and ceasefire negotiations say they have not yet collapsed and efforts are being made to bridge the gaps with the terror organization.

Sources:

Mediators pushing Hamas on Witkoff deal objections

Mediators pushing Hamas to soften demands for a Gaza ceasefire, eyeing minor wording changes, especially on ending the war, to break the deadlock.

Hamas welcomes Egypt-Qatar push for Gaza truce

Egypt and Qatar reaffirm their commitment to advancing a Gaza ceasefire based on US envoy Steve Witkoff’s proposal. Hamas welcomes their statement, expressing readiness for indirect talks but reiterating demands for a full IDF withdrawal.

Hamas demands:

Seven-year ceasefire, full IDF withdrawal in latest proposal

Israeli official: Hamas’ response to ceasefire plan is 'a slammed door,' with demands far from Israel’s offer. Witkoff: Hamas' response 'totally unacceptable.'

Amid deal uncertainty

Trump envoys reassure hostage families

Trump's envoys, Steve Witkoff and Adam Boehler, assure hostage families they'll leverage humanitarian aid for info if a deal fails, promising not to abandon them, according to Israeli TV report.

Trump:

'We're very close to an agreement on Gaza'

Trump announces a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal is "very close", says he also believes a nuclear deal with Iran is imminent: "They don't want to be blown up".

DM Katz to Hamas:

'Accept the deal or be eliminated'

Defense Minister Israel Katz warns Hamas to accept US envoy Steve Witkoff’s ceasefire proposal or face elimination. The warning comes after Hamas said it is discussing the proposal with other factions.

The Art of the Deal vs. the Qur’an

“They gotta make a deal. They gotta make a deal.” Sure, Mr President. They already have, and it’s not with you. There is no deal you can offer the Muslims that would be a deal to die for, because Allah already clinched that one. Opinion.

Witkoff's "term sheet":

This was not a deal. It was a disaster in the making

Aren't we a nation that knows its survival depends on thinking beyond the now? Opinion.

Report:

This is the full text of Witkoff’s Gaza ceasefire proposal

Drop Site News reveals full text of the US "term sheet" for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal as proposed by envoy Steve Witkoff. Hamas has yet to accept the proposal: It does not meet our demands.

Israel and Hamas deny

Report: Hamas and Israel agree to 60-day ceasefire

President Trump reportedly expected to personally unveil terms of US-brokered ceasefire, as both sides agree to phased release of hostages and prisoners over 60-day truce period.

Netanyahu to hostages' families:

'Israel accepts Witkoff's new proposal'

PM says Israel agrees to US-backed deal but vows to keep fighting until all hostages return and Hamas is destroyed.

US envoy deal: 9 living hostages, 60-day ceasefire, IDF withdraws

US envoy Steve Witkoff’s plan includes release of nine hostages, 18 bodies, IDF pullback, and UN-managed aid to Gaza during talks to end the war.

Released Hostage:

'Terrorists were scared of Trump'

Released hostage Omer Shem Tov spoke about how Hamas terrorists were eager for Kamala Harris to win.

Smotrich warns:

'I won't allow a partial deal with Hamas'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich responds to envoy Witkoff’s statement: "We must tighten the noose on Hamas and force it into a surrender deal with all hostages released at once."

Witkoff:

We will send a new proposal for a deal, 'I have good feelings'

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff revealed that he will send a new proposal for a ceasefire and hostage deal later in the day to Israel and Hamas.

Hostage Negotiations:

Deal stalled over number of hostages to be released

An Egyptian channel reported that the disagreements primarily revolve around the number of living Israeli hostages and the deceased to be released in the first week of the deal.

Witkoff denies Hamas has agreed to hostage-ceasefire deal

Steve Witkoff calls Hamas’ response “disappointing and unacceptable,” stressing Israel’s acceptance of a temporary ceasefire and hostage deal is still on the table.

Report: Trump to announce ceasefire deal tied to hostage release

US President Donald Trump expected to announce Gaza ceasefire within days as part of a deal to release Israeli hostages and return of bodies, reports say.

Report: Deal reached for release of Israeli academic held in Iraq

Elizabeth Tsurkov, kidnapped by a Shiite militia in March 2023, may soon be freed; Arab media report deal involving her handover to Iraqi authorities.

'Buried In Rubble':

Freed hostage Edan Alexander’s shocking ordeal in Hamas captivity

Adi Alexander, father of freed hostage Edan Alexander, has revealed harrowing new details about his son's captivity in Gaza.

Israel recalls entire negotiating team from Qatar

After reaching a dead-end in talks with Hamas, Prime Minister Netanyahu has ordered all remaining members of the Israeli delegation to return to Israel.

Hamas:

'Flexibility in talks? Only if our demands are met'

The Hamas terrorist organization claims it continues to show a positive approach toward any initiative that would lead to ending the war.

Qatari PM:

Negotiations stalled because of Israel

Prime Minister al-Thani accuses Israel of derailing hostage deal and intensifying regional conflict; Jerusalem considers diplomatic downgrade in Qatar.

Boehler:

'Israel's operation strengthens prospects for a hostage deal'

Speaking at JPost Conference in New York, US hostage envoy Adam Boehler says a hostage deal is closer than ever, attributing progress partly to Israel's renewed ground offensive against Hamas in Gaza.

Operation Gideon's Chariots:

'Nothing will stop us except the return of the hostages'

IDF Spokesperson Effie Defrin announced this evening that the new operation is intended to provide 'all necessary flexibility to bring the hostages back.'

To avert full Gaza operation

Report: Trump administration offers new ceasefire deal

Updated offer proposes 45-60 day ceasefire for release of 10 hostages and prisoners, with new provisions hinting at path to end the war.

For a 2-month ceasefire

Hamas willing to release up to nine hostages

A senior Hamas leader told CNN that the terror organization was willing to release between seven and nine hostages in exchange for a two-month ceasefire and release of 300 terrorists.

Israeli official:

We're optimistic, but there was no breakthrough in Qatar

An Israeli official warned Hamas that if no progress is made in the negotiations shortly, Israel will intensify its operations in Gaza.

Israeli official:

Gaza offensive to begin if no hostage deal reached in coming days

Senior Israeli official warns that if a hostage deal isn’t reached within days, the IDF will launch an offensive in Gaza with no pauses. While mediators proposed a new framework in Doha, Israel remains firm on the original Witkoff plan.

Hamas won't rule Gaza

Witkoff's new hostage deal framework

Witkoff plan, backed by Trump and international mediators, seeks extended ceasefire and hostage release while excluding Hamas from future governance in Gaza.

Former hostages to Netanyahu:

Don’t waste this Diplomatic momentum

Survivors of Hamas captivity appeal to Israeli leadership and US President Trump to sustain negotiations for the release of all hostages.

Douglas Murray to Arutz Sheva:

'No hierarchy of hostages, no excuse for antisemitism'

At the European Jewish Association (EJA) conference in Madrid, author and commentator Douglas Murray delivered a powerful defense of Israel's right to self-defense and condemned what he called the 'triple standard' applied to the Jewish state.