Overview

• President Trump has dropped plans for a 60-day phased hostage exchange and is pursuing a single agreement to halt hostilities and free all captives at once.
• Envoy Stephen Witkoff said the ceasefire proposal hinges on dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities.
• The U.S. is working with the Israeli government to draft the details of the comprehensive deal ahead of formal negotiations.
• Hamas responded that it will maintain armed resistance and refuse disarmament until a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital is recognized.
• Prime Minister Netanyahu criticized Hamas for derailing talks by withholding agreement and indicated the military may widen operations in Gaza to pressure the group.