Overview

• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said significant progress has been made in negotiating the release of Gaza captives but warned it is too early to be optimistic about a deal.
• U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is leading efforts alongside Egypt and Qatar to bridge gaps between Israeli and Hamas demands.
• Washington’s ceasefire proposal would pause fighting for two months to facilitate prisoner swaps and aid delivery, though Hamas is seeking amendments.
• Israel has declared it will continue its military campaign until all 55 remaining hostages are freed and Hamas’s armed structure is dismantled.
• Hamas maintains its refusal to disarm and insists on a permanent end to the war in exchange for releasing all hostages.