Hostage Deal

Steve Witkoff

'US mediators returning home after disappointing Hamas response'

US envoy says Hamas showing 'lack of desire' to reach a ceasefire. 'Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith.'

Benny Gantz:

Hamas uses international pressure as negotiation leverage

Gantz warns international pressure on Israel aids Hamas, undermines hostage deal prospects; calls for unified stance against terrorists.

After Hamas' response:

Israeli negotiation team to return from Doha

Israeli delegation to return from Doha for consultations after Hamas responds to latest deal; PMO acknowledges mediator efforts.

Hamas announces:

'We have delivered our response to the mediators'

Hamas officially submits its response to the ceasefire proposal. An Israeli official says the latest reply shows improvement. Israel is reviewing it, and key diplomatic talks are set to take place Thursday in Sardinia between US, Israeli, and Qatari officials.

These are Hamas's demands for a ceasefire

Al-Araby Al-Jadeed newspaper reports: Hamas seeks changes in IDF deployment and humanitarian aid conditions.

Ambassador Huckabee:

'Hamas is the cause of the prolonged war'

US Ambassador to Israel expresses support for Israel's stance and says Hamas is solely responsible for the continuation of the fighting.

Survey reveals

Public opposes deal when price is revealed

A public opinion poll conducted by the Smith Institute shows that the majority of the public rejects the terms of a potential hostage deal with Hamas when the associated costs are clearly presented.

One year later:

Hostages' families return to Capitol Hill, call for swift action

Marking one year since Netanyahu's address to Congress, relatives of captives held in Gaza urge the US and Israel to finalize an agreement before more lives are lost.

Defense Minister threatens to open 'gates of hell' against Hamas

Minister Katz threatens Hamas in response to the terrorist organization's continued intransigence. 'If the hostages are not released soon, the gates of hell will open."

Mediators reject Hamas' response to ceasefire offer

Mediators demand that the terrorist organization show immediate and significant flexibility to advance the deal.

Steve Witkoff to head to Middle East hoping to finalize deal

State Department announces that the US Special Envoy will head to the region and that Israel and Hamas have agreed on a humanitarian corridor in Gaza.

After Five Months:

Avraham Mengistu released from hospital

Mengistu had been hospitalized at Ichilov Hospital since being released from Hamas captivity where he was held for over a decade.

White House:

'Trump prioritizing hostage release in Gaza'

President Trump is working to broker a ceasefire in Gaza and secure the release of hostages, says White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, while emphasizing Trump's desire to end the violence.

Herzog to Jewish delegation:

'We must scream for a deal'

President Herzog hosts a US Jewish delegation alongside hostage Alon Ohel’s family, urging intensified global efforts to secure the release of 50 Israelis held by Hamas. Alon’s mother: “All of Israel feels like we’ve been taken hostage.”

Political source

'No more compromises from Israel, Hamas must accept deal'

The mediators are trying to put pressure on Hamas to respond to the offer currently on the table, but so far without success.

Hostage's uncle to MK:

'Stop the dangerous deal for ten hostages'

Shimon Or, uncle of kidnapped soldier Avinatan Or, urges MK Yuli Edelstein to block a partial hostage deal, warning it could endanger many IDF soldiers. “This deal is more dangerous than the war itself,” he says.

Take control of Gaza:

Chief of Staff suggests new combat plan for Gaza

Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir's new combat plan proposes broader control over areas of Gaza if there is a further delay in negotiations for the release of the hostages.

Boehler to Hamas:

'Take the deal and end the conflict'

US Envoy Adam Boehler urges Hamas to accept Israel's latest hostage deal, warning it's the best offer they'll get and hinting at Israeli military action if talks fail.

Israeli officials estimate:

'Breakthrough for hostage deal in coming days'

Israeli officials say breakthrough in hostage deal possible within days following new IDF deployment proposal.

Mother of Hostage:

'Hamas is not naive, they are trying to get what they want'

Ruchama Bohbot, mother of hostage Elkana, said the impasse in hostage negotiations is not due to Israeli politics but Hamas demands.

Israeli estimate

Hostage deal could be reached in coming week

Israeli official says a significant obstacle in the hostage deal talks has been overcome, but cautions that Hamas often creates new demands when a deal is in sight.

Hostage families rally:

'50 worlds await - one deal can save'

Families of hostages rally near the Gaza border, urging the government to seize a fleeting opportunity for an agreement: "50 worlds, 48 families, one time-bound deal."

'Very soon'

Trump: 10 hostages to be released from Hamas captivity

US President Donald Trump says 10 hostages to be released soon, after diplomatic source says Hamas is dragging its feet.

Hostage deal talks:

Israel mulling delegation of senior officials to Doha

Israel may send another delegation to Doha for ceasefire and hostage talks. Both Israel and Hamas are weighing new proposals, with key issues like troop deployment and prisoner releases still unresolved.

Diplomatic source:

'Hamas hindering hostage deal progress'

Senior Israeli diplomatic source says significant progress made in hostage deal efforts, but Hamas continues to create obstacles.

Leading rabbis warn against partial hostage deal

Senior rabbis from the Religious Zionist movement have issued a strong public statement opposing a partial hostage deal as posing a danger to the hostages who are not released in the deal.

Boehler:

'Hamas's hard-headedness blocks Gaza breakthrough'

Adam Boehler, President Trump's Envoy for Hostage Response, expresses optimism at the Aspen Security Forum regarding a Gaza hostage deal, stating it's "closer than it's been."

Report:

Hamas opposes updated IDF redeployment maps

The mediators in the negotiations between Israel and Hamas continue their efforts to bridge the gaps and reach an agreement regarding the introduction of humanitarian aid, redeployment maps, and guarantees for ending the war.

Ron Dermer

'Resume fighting after ceasefire? This is the reality'

Minister Dermer sits down with podcast host Dan Senor and explains why the argument that Israel could return to fighting Hamas after a ceasefire is problematic, and how Israel could pay a heavy price for it.

Report:

Hamas agrees to new withdrawal map proposed by Israel

Egyptian report: Hamas has agreed to a new withdrawal map presented by Israel, which includes a withdrawal from the Morag Corridor and limited IDF deployment. Negotiations expected to focus on framework for releasing hostages.

Hostage deal talks

Report: Israel drops demand for IDF presence in Morag Corridor

Sources say Israel has removed its demand for IDF control over the Morag Corridor, with mediators suggesting the move may bring a deal closer.

Trump:

'We have good news on Gaza'

Trump announces "good news on Gaza" at a White House ceremony, thanking envoy Steve Witkoff. His comments follow an optimistic senior source's statement that an Israel-Hamas hostage deal is "within reach," despite the difficulty of negotiations.

Senior political source: Optimism for hostage deal

A senior political official expressed optimism today about the possibility that Israel will soon reach a deal to release hostages with the terrorist organization Hamas.

Trump on Gaza:

'I am hopeful we will sort it out in the coming week'

US President Trump says he is optimistic about a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal this week, amid reports that talks have stalled.

'The worst of all worlds'

Haim Ramon opposes Witkoff outline

Former Justice Minister urges Netanyahu to demand the release of all hostages in exchange for ending the war.

Netanyahu on hostages:

'I intend to get all of them back'

PM Netanyahu speaks with Mark Levin of Fox News, champions Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, details Israel's Gaza war challenges and confronts Hamas's "double war crimes."

Amid stalemate:

Israel to present new Gaza withdrawal maps in Qatar talks

Israel set to present new maps outlining IDF withdrawal plans during Qatar negotiations, gap remains over the scope of IDF withdrawal from Gaza.

Hamas rejects Qatari proposal, blocking 60-day ceasefire and deal

Political source reveals Hamas’ rejection of Qatari proposal prevented a 60-day ceasefire and agreement, says Hamas continuing to harden its stance, disrupt negotiations.

Israel insists on key demands

Report: Stalemate in hostage deal talks

Doha talks on a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release remain stalled, with no progress on key issues like IDF withdrawal and release terms. Al Jazeera claims Israel aims to keep forces in Rafah and 40% of Gaza.

Netanyahu:

I hope 10 living hostages will be released 'in a few days'

In interview with Newsmax, Prime Minister Netanyahu expresses hope that 10 more living hostages will be released within days as ceasefire talks progress.

Iair Horn recounts captivity, longing, and the ongoing nightmare

The brother who returned from Gaza’s tunnels speaks for the first time about the moment he realized he was being freed - without his brother Eitan, who remained behind.

Netanyahu:

If after 60 days Hamas isn't dismantled-we will resume fighting

In Washington statement, Prime Minister lays out 60-day ceasefire plan linked to release of hostages and end to Hamas's rule in Gaza; warns of military action if diplomatic efforts fail, including on Iranian nuclear threat.

Netanyahu to hostages' families:

We can't get a deal to bring them all home

Prime Minister claims there is no comprehensive deal on the table. Asked which hostages would be released, he answered: 'That's Hamas's decision.'

Smotrich and Ben-Gvir denounce emerging deal

Ministers Smotrich and Ben-Gvir have both announced their opposition to any ceasefire plan that includes withdrawal from Gaza.

Israel Approves:

Qatar to begin funding reconstruction in Gaza

Israel made it clear it will not agree for Qatar to solely have exclusive control over the rehabilitation funds, but will request that additional countries participate in the effort.

Hamas: We agreed to release 10 hostages

The Hamas terrorist organization claims it is approaching ceasefire negotiations with seriousness and flexibility, aiming to overcome all obstacles.

Netanyahu:

Trump and I want a deal, but not at all costs

Netanyahu told reporters that he and the US President have a shared goal: 'The release of the hostages and the end of Hamas rule in Gaza.'

Report:

Secret US, Israel, Qatar talks could unlock gaza ceasefire deal

US, Israeli, and Qatari officials held secret talks at the White House to resolve key issues in the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal, with significant progress made on IDF withdrawal.

Report: Israel refusing to release Marwan Barghouti

Despite significant progress in Israel-Hamas talks, key issues such as humanitarian aid, IDF deployment, and prisoner releases remain contentious, delaying a final agreement.

At the White House

Netanyahu and Trump meet for a second time

Prime Minister Netanyahu meets President Trump at the White House - their second meeting in under 24 hours - amid ongoing talks aimed at securing a hostage release deal. The meeting lasts about 90 minutes, with no public statements given afterward.

Dispute over aid:

The Qatari compromise - and Israeli opposition

Foreign sources report that one version of the hostage deal includes transferring responsibility for food distribution in Gaza to the United Nations. Israel has yet to agree to the proposal.

Netanyahu:

'I hope we can cross the line towards a deal'

Prime Minister Netanyahu is expected to meet again tonight with US President Donald Trump, against the backdrop of progress in the negotiations.

Witkoff on hostage deal

Gaps have closed, hopeful for agreement by end of week

US Special envoy says the 4 main disagreements on a ceasefire deal with Hamas have been reduced to 1.

Tearful Testimony:

Keith Siegel recounts the horrors he witnessed to the Knesset

Released hostage Keith Seigel participated in the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee discussion and tearfully shared the ordeals faced by the hostages in Gaza.

Israel's Demands:

'Hamas disbanded, its leaders exiled, and Gaza demilitarized'

A senior political source reviewed the meeting between Netanyahu and Trump last night and expressed high hopes for a hostage deal in the near future.

Arab source: Agreement with Hamas 'a matter of days'

Palestinian Arab source involved in ceasefire-prisoner swap negotiations predicts agreement between Israel and Hamas could be signed soon, due to direct involvement from US President Donald Trump.

Netanyahu lands in Washington ahead of meeting with Trump

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives in Washington for talks with US President Donald Trump, aiming to finalize deal with Hamas, both leaders express optimism.

Central Park:

Independence Day weekend rally calls for hostage deal

On Fourth of July weekend, New Yorkers rally in Central Park, demanding freedom for 50 hostages, including Americans Omer Neutra and Itay Chen.

First round of Qatar ceasefire talks ends with no breakthrough

Indirect ceasefire and hostage release talks between Israel and Hamas in Qatar end without a breakthrough. Palestinian Arab sources claim the Israeli delegation lacks sufficient authority for an agreement.

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.