Netanyahu says talks on Gaza hostages making progress but cautions against high hopes

Talks have continued with the help of the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, aimed at reaching a ceasefire and freeing the remaining hostages. However, key demands from both Israel and Hamas remain unresolved, and each side continues to blame the other for the lack of a deal.

A source familiar with the talks told Reuters that the United States had been offering Hamas more guarantees, including steps that could lead to an end to the war. However, the source said, “The optimism is coming from the American side, not the Israeli one.” The source also said there was pressure from Washington to finalise an agreement soon.

The White House National Security Council and representatives for US envoy Steve Witkoff, who is leading the negotiations, did not immediately comment. Hamas has also not responded publicly.

Israel has said it will continue the war until the 55 remaining hostages are released and Hamas is dismantled. Hamas, which has controlled Gaza since 2007, has said it would be willing to step aside if a neutral Palestinian committee takes over, but it has refused to give up its weapons.

The US has put forward a plan for a 60-day ceasefire. Israel has said it agrees to the proposal, but Hamas is asking for changes. Hamas wants a full end to the war in return for releasing all hostages.

The war began after Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people in Israel during an attack in October 2023 and took 251 hostages back to Gaza, according to Israeli figures.

Since then, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has killed more than 54,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities.