Israel released nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners as part of a hostage deal, with officials emphasizing the new prison policies that aim to deter terrorism and reinforce sovereignty, despite concerns about the potential for some prisoners to re-engage in attacks.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that Israel is close to securing a deal with Hamas to release remaining hostages from Gaza, amid ongoing diplomatic efforts involving the US, Egypt, and Qatar, with hopes of ending the nearly two-year conflict, though key issues like disarmament remain unresolved.
Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesperson urges Israel to respond to a proposed ceasefire and hostage deal with Hamas, claiming the deal aligns with previous agreements, but Israel appears hesitant, and the government has not yet discussed the proposal publicly amid ongoing conflict and public pressure.
Hamas has accepted an updated ceasefire and hostage deal proposal from Qatari and Egyptian mediators, aiming to prevent a major Israeli offensive in Gaza. The deal includes a 60-day ceasefire, release of hostages, and Palestinian prisoners, but Israel has yet to confirm acceptance. The situation is complicated by international opinions and recent political statements, notably from Trump and Netanyahu, with ongoing diplomatic efforts to reach an agreement.
Mediators from the US, Egypt, and Qatar are rushing to finalize a deal to end the Gaza conflict, which includes the release of hostages, Israeli troop withdrawal, and Hamas disarmament, amid ongoing diplomatic efforts and skepticism about Hamas's acceptance of the agreement.
Senior Hamas officials in Doha are inclined to support a proposed ceasefire and hostage deal, but the military leadership in Gaza has not responded, leading mediators to suggest that if no agreement is reached, Hamas will be fully responsible for the failure. Israel and regional mediators are urging Hamas to respond quickly, as delays result in more Palestinian suffering and casualties, with negotiations ongoing in Qatar.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has secured his political survival for six more months, enabling him to potentially sign a hostage deal with Hamas amid ongoing negotiations and international pressure, despite limited progress and ongoing conflict in Gaza.
A US envoy suggests a hostage deal with Hamas is close, citing ongoing negotiations and Israeli military pressure, while expressing optimism about expanding the Abraham Accords despite regional conflicts. The conference saw reduced participation from US officials amid political tensions.
Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. have presented an updated ceasefire and hostage deal proposal to Israel and Hamas, involving a 60-day ceasefire, hostage releases, prisoner exchanges, and increased humanitarian aid, with recent Israeli concessions on military withdrawal and territorial control raising hopes for an imminent agreement.
Prime Minister Netanyahu is returning to Israel from Washington, expressing hope for a hostage deal within days and announcing plans to negotiate a permanent ceasefire in Gaza after 60 days, contingent on Hamas disarmament. The article also covers recent developments including a West Bank terror attack by Palestinian Authority police officers, Israeli concerns over Iran's nuclear sites, and regional military tensions.
Hamas has responded positively, with reservations, to a proposed Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal, signaling willingness to negotiate, but key issues like aid management, troop withdrawal, and prisoner exchanges remain unresolved, complicating efforts for a breakthrough before President Trump's meeting with Netanyahu.
The White House's envoy Steve Witkoff criticized Hamas's rejection of a U.S.-proposed ceasefire and hostage deal, which Hamas demands changes to, including guarantees and sequencing of hostage releases, leading to a deadlock in negotiations amid ongoing efforts by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar to facilitate an agreement.
The article discusses the ongoing Gaza conflict, highlighting France's threat of sanctions if aid is blocked, the stalled hostage deal, and recent military actions and diplomatic tensions involving Israel, Hamas, and regional actors. It also covers UN aid controversies and potential ceasefire proposals.
The White House is optimistic about reaching a temporary ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, with ongoing negotiations involving US envoy Witkoff, despite setbacks and disagreements over terms and timelines, aiming to end the conflict that has caused significant casualties and suffering.
Hamas has agreed to two key Israeli demands for a ceasefire in Gaza, including allowing the IDF to remain temporarily during the pause in fighting and providing a list of hostages, which includes U.S. citizens. This development comes amid ongoing negotiations, with Mossad's chief meeting Qatar's Prime Minister to discuss the details. Israel's defense minister has indicated a potential deal to release all hostages, including Americans, is possible.