Sunday, May 18, 2025

Israel exploring deal to end war, return all hostages, exile Hamas


Israel
on Sunday announced that it is pursuing a broader framework for ending the war in Gaza, one that includes the release of all hostages, the expulsion of Hamas terrorists, and the disarmament of the Strip. The Israeli negotiating team in Doha, Qatar, is actively working to exhaust every opportunity to reach an agreement, the Prime Minister’s Office said. Talks are being conducted under multiple frameworks, including one proposed by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.

The Witkoff outline reportedly envisions a multi-stage agreement, beginning with a temporary ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages, followed by reciprocal steps such as the release of Palestinian security prisoners and further negotiations aimed at a permanent cessation of hostilities.

On Saturday morning, Defense Minister Israel Katz stated: “With the launch of Operation Gideon’s Chariots in Gaza, led with great force by IDF command, the Hamas delegation in Doha announced a return to negotiations on a hostage deal, contrary to the intransigent stance they had taken up until that moment.”  (Read More)