Since the October 7 massacre, hundreds of Israelis were taken hostage by Hamas and were held captive in the Gaza Strip. While many of the hostages have either been freed, rescued, or killed, many still remain in captivity. The hostage deal is a hypothetical agreement between Israel and Hamas that would see the hostages, living and dead, released from captivity back to Israel.
Such a deal was implemented in the early days of the war, in November 2023, where many hostages were released over the course of a few days. A much longer one was implemented in early 2025, which saw many hostages released from captivity in exchange for the release of high numbers of Palestinian security prisoners.
It's not okay for the hostage families to learn updates about their loved ones from an offhand comment by Trump or a whispered remark by the PM's wife.
Trump did not follow up with any new information regarding the hostages' well-being.
Witkoff's remarks come just days before Trump’s scheduled visit to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar next week.
An Israeli defense official said that if no deal is reached, a new Gaza offensive will begin.
Trump says US will help Gazans with food supply • IDF plans new Gaza op. • Gov't will not form Oct. 7 state inquiry • Netanyahu says IDF to stay in Gaza
Among the participants at the rally at Tel Aviv's Hostage Square were former hostages and soldiers who were wounded during the war.
On October 7, 35 foreigners were kidnapped. Five foreign hostages remain in Hamas captivity, of whom three are believed to be dead.
Several IDF reserve brigades will be mobilized and the 8th Infantry Division will be deployed.
Egyptian sources who spoke to the Saudi Al-Arabiya claimed on Friday that Israel withdrew from the previously agreed-upon terms of a hostage deal.
The Religious Zionist Party, led by Bezalel Smotrich, gained a mandate, conferring the coalition a loss of one seat.
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