Hostage Talks Collapse Over Ceasefire Demands and Death Count Disputes

Intensive negotiations to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza have stalled, with disagreements centering on the number of living and deceased Israeli hostages to be freed in the initial phase, according to sources cited by an Egyptian television channel earlier today. The talks, mediated by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt, also face disputes over the number of Palestinian prisoners to be released in exchange. Israeli estimates suggest 58 hostages remain in Gaza, with fewer than 24 believed to be alive, underscoring the urgency of the situation after over 600 days of conflict.

U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and hostage affairs envoy Adam Boehler met with hostage families on Monday, expressing cautious optimism for progress within days, as reported by Channel 12 News. Witkoff’s proposal, which Israel supports, offers a 45- to 60-day ceasefire for the release of 10 living hostages and the remains of 19 deceased, with a commitment to oversee permanent ceasefire talks. However, Hamas claimed it accepted a 70-day truce for 10 hostages in two phases, a characterization Witkoff rejected as “disappointing and completely unacceptable,” per Axios. A deal brokered by Palestinian-American businessman Bishara Bahbah was also dismissed by Israel, with a senior official noting it exceeded Witkoff’s guidelines.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed hope for an announcement but clarified no breakthrough was imminent, rejecting Hamas’s terms as undermining Israel’s war goals of dismantling the group and freeing all hostages. Meanwhile, Israel’s military operation, “Gideon’s Chariots,” involving five divisions, continues to pressure Hamas, with IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir asserting the group’s command structure is crumbling. Despite U.S. pressure to resume humanitarian aid, blocked since March, Israel insists on maintaining military momentum, complicating diplomatic efforts. The deadlock persists as both sides navigate competing demands, with mediators urging flexibility to avert further escalation.