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yesterday

U.S. Uses Back Channels to Pitch Hostage-for-Ceasefire Deal to Hamas

Hamas says releases require a permanent ceasefire with an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Special Envoy Steve Witkoff speaks as President Donald Trump holds a cabinet meeting with members of his administration in the Cabinet Room of the White House on August 26, 2025 in Washington, DC. Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images.
Israel National News
President Donald Trump, right, listens as White House special envoy Steve Witkoff, left, speaks during a swearing in ceremony for interim U.S. Attorney General for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Overview

  • White House envoy Steve Witkoff relayed a new comprehensive proposal through Palestinian-American interlocutor Bishara Bahbah and Israeli peace activist Gershon Baskin, according to Axios.
  • President Trump said the U.S. is in deep negotiations with Hamas and urged an immediate release, warning of severe consequences if no deal is reached.
  • Israeli officials question the reliability of channels that bypass Qatar and Egypt, and sources say Hamas views these routes with suspicion.
  • Axios reports Israel has begun a new offensive phase in Gaza City, including strikes on high-rise buildings, as the push for a deal continues.
  • Israel insists on the immediate release of all hostages and Hamas disarmament, while reports estimate roughly 48 hostages remain with about 20 presumed alive, and Israeli negotiator Ron Dermer plans Washington meetings.