Israel Recalls Top Negotiators as Hostage Deal Talks With Hamas Stall
After a week of intense negotiations in Doha failed to produce a breakthrough, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has recalled senior members of the negotiating team, citing Hamas’ continued refusal to accept a US-backed hostage release proposal. The working-level team will remain in Doha for now, the Prime Minister’s Office said Tuesday.
“Israel has agreed to the American proposal for the return of the hostages, which is based on the Witkoff framework,” the Prime Minister’s Office said, referring to a short-term ceasefire plan crafted by US envoy Steve Witkoff. “This proposal was recently conveyed to Hamas via the mediators, even though it is continuing to cling to its refusal.”
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The Hostages and Missing Families Forum expressed frustration following the announcement, accusing the government of lacking a comprehensive plan to secure the return of the remaining captives. “A majority of the nation supports the return of all the hostages, even at the price of ending the war. Only the return of everyone in one stage will allow a process of rehabilitation and renewal for the country and the army,” the group said. “Until then, there will be no victory, nor even the appearance of victory.”
Terrorist groups in Gaza are still holding 58 hostages, including around 20 believed to be alive. The rest are either confirmed dead or presumed to be. Hamas has released more than 130 hostages in previous agreements, most during a truce in late 2023. Israel has released about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange and recovered 41 bodies, including three mistakenly killed by Israeli forces.
