Historic Hamas–Trump Agreement on Hostage Release; Witkaf Heads to Egypt for Talks

Hebrew outlet Maariv reported that following Hamas’s indication of readiness to free prisoners immediately, final negotiations on the mechanics of an exchange are likely to open in Egypt, in the city of al-Arish, as soon as tomorrow. According to the report, calls to resume talks and finalize the agreement’s technical details began in earnest after Trump received Hamas’s response to his draft plan.

Outlets say that U.S. efforts are under way to convene negotiators and mediators for immediate discussions of the framework that would enable the rapid return of hostages. Israel is reportedly preparing a negotiating team to travel to Egypt while mediators maintain intensive contacts.

Israeli military forces continue to monitor conditions in Gaza closely as diplomatic activity intensifies. If talks succeed, Israeli officials believe the process could lead to the release of all remaining hostages.

Dana Weiss of Channel 12 (Israel) reported that U.S. special envoy Steve Witkaf is en route to Egypt to ensure the seriousness of the negotiations and the commitment of all parties to the process. Weiss added that overnight discussions were held with the White House, which has signaled a willingness to pause military operations to facilitate talks that could secure the hostages’ return.

Negotiators have indicated flexibility on the timing of releases, acknowledging that a 72-hour window may be unrealistic, but they insist on no phased delays — demanding the simultaneous release of all hostages as part of any final deal. Israeli officials told reporters they believe a successful negotiation could yield the simultaneous release of all captives.

In a related development, the Hostages’ Families Committee this morning urged Israelis to gather at the “Abductees’ Square” tonight to mark the second anniversary of 7 October and to support the families during these pivotal negotiations. The committee said: “We are in sensitive days for this agreement — days that will determine the dates for the return of abductees, the rehabilitation of the living and the dignified burial of the dead.”

Hamas issued its formal reply to Trump’s draft agreement late last night. Maariv said the response was cautious and required clarifications on several points; nonetheless, Trump publicly stated he had accepted Hamas’s reply and viewed it as an opportunity for peace.

Hamas’s statement said the movement had held “deep consultations” with Palestinian institutions and leaders, Palestinian factions, mediators and regional partners and had adopted a responsible position regarding Trump’s proposal. In its full response, Hamas said it seeks participation in a replacement Palestinian authority to be established in Gaza but did not accept exile of senior figures or unilateral disarmament.

Trump reacted on social media, writing: “Based on the statement just released by Hamas, I believe they are ready for sustainable peace. Israel must immediately stop bombing Gaza so that we can safely and rapidly free the hostages! This is a very sensitive moment. We are discussing the remaining details that must be resolved. This is not just about Gaza — it is about the long-sought peace in the Middle East.”