Efforts to Salvage Gaza Ceasefire Show Progress as Hostage Release Negotiations Continue

Mediators report advances in talks between Israel and Hamas, with a planned prisoner exchange on Saturday contingent on adherence to truce terms.

Palestinian sources and mediators from Egypt and Qatar indicate progress in preserving the Gaza ceasefire, with both sides reportedly recommitting to Saturday's planned hostage release.
Hamas has accused Israel of violating the truce, while Israel warns it will resume military operations in Gaza if hostages are not freed as scheduled.
The ceasefire agreement, which began last month, has facilitated phased hostage-prisoner exchanges and the delivery of humanitarian aid, though both sides claim breaches of the deal.
Recently freed Israeli hostages have described harrowing conditions in Hamas captivity, fueling public pressure on Israel's government to secure the release of all remaining captives.
U.S. President Donald Trump and regional leaders, including Egypt's Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordan's King Abdullah, have urged adherence to the truce to prevent renewed violence and further displacement of Gaza's population.