Netanyahu Meets U.S. Envoy Amid Hostage Negotiation Progress

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Adam Boehler, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s special envoy for hostage affairs, on Monday to discuss ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. The meeting, part of a series of high-level engagements, included discussions with Defense Minister Israel Katz, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana.

The latest estimates suggest that 100 hostages remain captive, with 36 declared dead. Trump, speaking from his Mar-a-Lago resort, affirmed his administration’s commitment to securing their release. “We are trying to help very strongly in getting the hostages back,” he stated.

Defense Minister Israel Katz expressed cautious optimism, describing current talks as the most promising since the last major release in November 2023, when 105 captives 81 Israelis and 24 foreign nationals were freed during a week-long ceasefire. Katz indicated that logistical challenges, such as Israeli troop deployments along key buffer zones in Gaza, were no longer significant obstacles. “Hamas has shown flexibility on these matters,” he noted.

Negotiations, facilitated by Qatari mediators, are reportedly in their final stages. Talks in Doha have focused on a phased agreement, which could see the release of hostages over 50, the sick, and those classified as “humanitarian cases” in exchange for a six-week ceasefire. A senior Palestinian official described the discussions as being in a “decisive and final phase.”

The proposed three-phase plan includes releasing female soldiers and civilians within the first 45 days, followed by further releases and troop withdrawals from key areas, including city centers and border zones. Mediators are also working to establish an inspection mechanism for Gazan civilians moving northward, which Hamas had previously resisted.

Katz emphasized the moral imperative of securing the hostages’ release. “This is the policy I advocate for, and I am actively working to advance it. With Hamas demonstrating a newfound willingness to compromise, we are hopeful that practical steps can be taken soon,” he said.

As Chanukah approaches, negotiators are optimistic that an agreement will be finalized and implemented over the coming weeks. With international pressure mounting, the focus remains on ensuring the safe return of captives and finding a pathway to sustained peace.

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