Israel and Hamas Near Hostage Deal : Everything you need to know

Negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release between Israel and Hamas have continued throughout the recent 12-day conflict with Iran and intensified following its conclusion, according to multiple sources familiar with the talks.

President Donald Trump has reportedly prioritized ending the Gaza war and securing the return of hostages as part of a broader regional peace effort. Israeli Minister Ron Dermer, responsible for liaison with the U.S. administration and negotiations, is expected to travel to Washington imminently for meetings with Trump’s team and envoy Steve Witkoff to focus on advancing the ceasefire deal. Discussions include the possibility of a visit by Prime Minister Netanyahu to the U.S., pending progress in the talks, according to a report by Israel Hayom.

The key sticking point remains Hamas’s refusal to accept terms involving disarmament and the exile of senior leaders. The current proposal on the table defers these contentious issues for later negotiation, while offering Hamas guarantees for a full ceasefire even if a comprehensive agreement is not reached within 60 days.

Sources indicate Israel has accepted most elements of the proposal, but Hamas has yet to agree. An Arab official involved in the mediation explained that the recent conflict between Israel and Iran has influenced the negotiations, with mediators warning Hamas that without a ceasefire agreement, Israel may take full-scale military action against the group without international constraints. Hamas is reportedly willing to accept significant costs to maintain its organizational structure despite dwindling external support.

According to three officials familiar with the details, the proposed initial phase includes a 60-day ceasefire during which around 10 live hostages and approximately 15 bodies would be released. Most releases are expected early in the ceasefire period, with some debate over the timing of remaining releases. In exchange, Israel would release prisoners in line with previous agreements. Hamas would provide full information on the hostages’ condition and ensure medical care and food supply, with the International Committee of the Red Cross overseeing health visits.

The agreement also envisions continued and expanded delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, with Israeli demands for international monitoring to prevent diversion of supplies by Hamas — a condition seen as difficult to implement. Supply would continue through existing humanitarian channels, including GHF centers. A phased and partial Israeli withdrawal would also be part of the deal, linked to progress in negotiations.

According to Israel Hayom, U.S. guarantees, including statements from President Trump, support the ceasefire and continuation of talks beyond the initial 60 days, even if a final deal is not reached. The proposal also ties ongoing hostage releases to the progress of negotiations.

The more complex second phase involves deploying a multinational force — including American and Arab troops — to assume security and policing duties in Gaza. However, all parties remain reluctant to accept foreign forces while Hamas retains its weapons.

A Saudi official commented that as long as Hamas holds even light arms, it will resist attempts to impose order. One suggested approach is a gradual entry of international forces, neighborhood by neighborhood, with Palestinian clans and militant groups surrendering their weapons to be held “in custody.”

Egypt has proposed that such arrangements take place on Egyptian territory, but Hamas and its allies have not agreed. Additionally, no resolution has been reached regarding the surrender of tunnels, heavy weapons, rockets, mortars, and explosives, as Hamas refuses to discuss handing over these assets.