A White House special envoy is pushing for a Gaza hostage deal to release all captives this week, but negotiations are stalled as the US blames Hamas for delays and Israel sets conditions.
US Envoy Pushes for Hostage Return
“We adamantly want, and I’m following the president’s direction here when I say this, all of those hostages home this week,” said Steve Witkoff, a White House special envoy. The push comes as 50 hostages remain captive in Gaza, with 20 assessed to be alive, nearly two years after the Oct. 7, 2023, attack.
Impasse Over Stalled Gaza Hostage Deal
Witkoff stated that a deal has been on the table for six or seven weeks that would have released 10 of the 20 living hostages. The US envoy blames Hamas for the deal delay, attributing the hold-up “100%” to the group.
“[Hamas is] who slow played that process, and it is Hamas now who is saying we accept that deal,” Witkoff said. He suggested that after the hostages are home, there can be negotiations for “what next day… looks like in Gaza.”
Israel Sets Ceasefire Conditions Amid Protests
The Israeli government’s official position requires a full return of all hostages for any ceasefire deal. Reports indicate the Israeli security cabinet refused to review a partial hostage release deal, a stance that has fueled large Tel Aviv hostage protests.
An estimated 350,000 people demonstrated on Tuesday, demanding the government secure an agreement. ” It is deeply disappointing that on the very day when masses of Israelis take to the streets…
the government continues to delay progress on the agreement,” stated the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.
Trump Predicts End to War, Plans Meeting
President Donald Trump predicted on Monday a “conclusive” end to the war in Gaza within the next “two to three weeks.” A Trump White House meeting Gaza plan is scheduled for Wednesday to discuss a “day after” strategy for the region.
“President Trump has been clear that he wants the war to end, and he wants peace and prosperity for everyone in the region,” a White House official stated. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum responded to Trump’s prediction, saying, “We pray this is true and that you gave a deadline to end our suffering.“
