Hamas announced on Wednesday that it would release 10 hostages as part of ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Gaza, amidst signs of optimism from Israel regarding a potential agreement to end the ongoing conflict. The announcement follows four days of indirect talks facilitated by Qatar, and coincides with the United States expressing confidence that a 60-day truce could be reached before the week’s end.
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff indicated that part of the proposed deal would include the return of the 10 hostages taken by Hamas during its surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which ignited the current war. Out of the 251 hostages initially captured, 49 are still being held in Gaza, while Israeli military reports suggest that 27 of those captured are deceased.
In its statement, Hamas acknowledged that there were significant obstacles still present in the discussions, notably regarding the unrestricted flow of aid into Gaza, the proposed withdrawal of Israeli military forces from the region, and the assurance of a long-lasting peace. Nevertheless, a Hamas spokesperson emphasized the group’s willingness to negotiate, stating, “Despite the difficulty of negotiations over these issues until now due to the intransigence of the occupation, we continue to work seriously and with a positive spirit with the mediators.”
Israeli officials appeared to align with U.S. President Donald Trump’s positive outlook on the negotiations. Israeli army chief Eyal Zamir stated during a televised address that military efforts had set the stage for a successful deal that could lead to the release of the Israeli hostages. Prime Minister Netanyahu, after discussions with Trump in Washington, remained resolute about defeating Hamas but expressed optimism about nearing an agreement. “I think we’re getting closer to a deal,” he said during a FOX Business Network interview, highlighting a “good chance” of reaching an understanding.
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar echoed this sentiment, remarking that a temporary agreement was within reach and could eventually initiate discussions for a more sustainable peace. President Isaac Herzog characterized the situation as a “historic opportunity” for transformative change in the region, stating, “We must not miss this moment.”
Domestically, however, Netanyahu faces increasing pressure to bring an end to the conflict as military casualties mount. On Wednesday, the Israeli military reported another soldier had been killed in clashes in Gaza, emphasizing the ongoing dangers faced by its forces. Hamas continues to declare, “Gaza will not surrender,” while a Palestinian source familiar with the talks claimed that the Israeli delegates were primarily listening and not actively negotiating, suggesting a deliberate attempt by Netanyahu to obstruct meaningful agreements.
The militant group has consistently rejected outside pressure to release all hostages without substantial concessions regarding the war and Israeli military presence, while Israel insists on measures to ensure that threats from Gaza are neutralized permanently. Qatari mediators have cautioned that finalizing a deal would take time.
Amidst the backdrop of these negotiations, violence in Gaza continues unabated. A civil defense agency in the territory reported that Israeli airstrikes killed 26 individuals on Wednesday, including at least six children. Eyewitness accounts described the devastation, with one resident noting that the force of an explosion felt “like an earthquake” and calling the aftermath a “horrific massacre.”
In comments to the press regarding the strikes on locations in Gaza, the Israeli military maintained that their operations were targeted at Hamas operatives. The narrative has been complicated by the challenges of verifying the claims made by both sides, compounded by media restrictions in the Gaza Strip.
Since the onset of Hamas’s October 2023 offensive, an estimated 1,219 people have lost their lives in Israel, predominantly civilians. Conversely, the Israeli retaliatory actions have led to the deaths of at least 57,680 people in Gaza, again primarily among civilians, according to health authorities in the region, with figures deemed reliable by the United Nations.
