Hostage Deal
Ismail Haniyeh, the Doha-based political bureau chief of Hamas, speaks to the press after a meeting with the Iranian foreign minister in Tehran on March 26, 2024. (The Times of Israel: AFP)
May 7, 2024, 11:01 am
Hamas claims to accept ceasefire, hostage deal; Israel: This isn’t what we agreed to
Gazans celebrate in streets; families of hostages plead for deal; US studying response; war cabinet says negotiators will meet mediators, but orders IDF to push ahead with Rafah op.
By LAZAR BERMAN, AGENCIES and Jacob Magid
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (2nd left) heads the weekly cabinet meeting at the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv on January 7, 2024. (The Times of Israel: RONEN ZVULUN / POOL / AFP)
February 6, 2024, 1:19 pm
Senior Likud minister: We are only ‘at start of journey’ on hostage deal talks
As US push continues, minister tells ToI no specific deal has been brought to cabinet, and that it has not agreed to a long-term ceasefire or release of large number of terrorists
By LAZAR BERMAN
Israelis rally to demand securing the release of hostages held by terrorists in the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, February 3, 2024. (The Times of Israel: Miriam Alster/Flash90)
February 5, 2024, 11:53 am
Hamas says more time needed to announce position on potential hostage deal
Lebanon-based official says terror group ‘open to discussing any initiative’; Israel reportedly unclear on cause of delay, cites possible divisions within Hamas.
By Agencies and TOI Staff
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at the Bnei David military academy in the West Bank settlement of Eli, January 30, 2023. (The Times of Israel: Amos Ben Gershom/GPO)
January 31, 2024, 12:15 pm
Netanyahu: Israel won’t free ‘thousands of terrorists’ or withdraw IDF for hostage deal
While his right flank blasts a framework that Israel reportedly agreed to in Paris, Netanyahu says IDF will not leave Gaza; Hamas says it is studying proposal.
By LAZAR BERMAN
Qatar's PM Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani speaking at the Atlantic Council, January 29, 2024. (The Times of Israel: YouTube screenshot)
January 30, 2024, 10:35 am
Hamas seems to reject new hostage deal offer, says it’ll only accept full IDF pullout
Terror group appears to pour cold water on mediators’ latest offer after Qatari PM says ‘good progress’ made; Israel said open to lengthy truce but refuses to end war
By LAZAR BERMAN and TOI Staff and Agencies
Ronen Bar, head of the Shin Bet security services, left, and Mossad chief David Barnea at the annual IDF Armored Corps memorial ceremony, marking the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War, in Yad La-Shiryon, on September 27, 2023. (The Times of Israel: Jonathan Shaul/Flash90)
January 29, 2024, 11:28 am
Israel says Paris talks on hostage deal were ‘constructive,’ will continue this week
‘Significant gaps’ remain, says Prime Minister’s Office, after US, Israeli, Qatari and Egyptian officials meet to weigh pause in fighting in exchange for release of hostages.
By LAZAR BERMAN
Families of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and supporters attend a rally calling for their return, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, December 16, 2023. (The Times of Israel: AP Photo/Leo Correa)
December 17, 2023, 9:22 am
Israel said looking to boost efforts for new hostage deal, but expects hard road ahead
Report says Jerusalem will seek release of remaining female hostages, elderly and sick men; Hamas says no further releases before ‘aggression stops once and for all’.
By TOI STAFF
Family and supporters of the estimated 240 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza complete the final leg of a five-day solidarity rally calling for their return, from Tel Aviv to the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, November 18, 2023. (The Times of Israel: AP/Mahmoud Illean)
November 22, 2023, 1:00 pm
Cabinet approves deal for return of 50 hostages in exchange for multi-day ceasefire
Israel believes Hamas could potentially locate some 30 more mothers and children and that the 4-day halt could be extended by extra day per each 10 Israeli hostages freed.
By JACOB MAGID and TAL SCHNEIDER
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leads a meeting of the war cabinet in Tel Aviv on November 16, 2023. (The Times of Israel: Haim Zach/GPO)
November 22, 2023, 8:30 am
Israel set to approve Gaza hostage deal slated to see release of 50 Israelis
Hamas, Qatar confirm agreement is close – including multi-day pause in fighting and release of 150-300 Palestinian prisoners; Biden: ‘Things are looking good’.
By AMY SPIRO and TAL SCHNEIDER and CARRIE KELLER-LYNN
Families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas and other terrorists in Gaza hold a press conference in Tel Aviv, November 19, 2023. (The Times of Israel: Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)
November 21, 2023, 9:30 am
PM meets with families of hostages held in Gaza as reports swirl of imminent deal
Netanyahu sits down with relatives of some 240 taken on October 7 by Hamas and other terror factions; Biden says he thinks agreement is close to being finalized.
By TOI STAFF
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