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.
Netanyahu thanked the US leader after he criticized the corruption trial proceedings, saying they hindered negotiations with Hamas and Iran.
Let us bring home who and what we can, not only the living and the dead, but the truth that Jewish life is precious, and unity is not an aspiration but a lifeline.
Witkoff's visit comes amid positive indications that there will be "notable progress in negotiations with a relative change in the tone of statements issued by Israel."
IDF strikes Gaza, southern Lebanon • Hostage families meet with Marco Rubio • Trump says Gaza ceasefire could be reached next week
Trump's comments come after his recent success in arranging an Iran-Israel ceasefire, ending a 12 day war.
Now, with Israel claiming victory over Iran, Israeli life is returning to normal — but with the searing losses of the latest war reshaping reality.
Meanwhile, high-level talks are underway in Cairo between senior Egyptian officials, Steve Witkoff representative Bishara Bahbah, and senior Hamas representatives.
"Trump - you have achieved a tremendous achievement in Iran,” the families said. “Hamas is weak - take advantage of this historic moment to bring all 50 hostages home."
Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani reported that there will be indirect talks between Hamas and Israel to reach a ceasefire.
Speaking to Channel 14’s Yinon Magal, Deri noted that if the government had been dissolved the night before Israel struck Iran, President Trump might not have agreed to join.
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