White House Pushes Hamas for Hostage Release

Clear Facts

• White House envoy Steve Witkoff is urging for the return of all hostages held in Gaza this week.
• Witkoff blames Hamas for delays, stating there is a deal for 10 of the 20 known living hostages.
• Protests continue in Israel demanding a full hostage release, while the Israeli government insists on a complete return before any ceasefire.

White House special envoy Steve Witkoff said his top priority is securing the immediate return of American and Israeli hostages in Gaza. Negotiations remain stalled as Hamas is accused of slowing the process despite a deal sitting on the table.

“We adamantly want, and I’m following the president’s direction here when I say this, all of those hostages home this week,” Witkoff told Fox News’ Bret Baier.

Witkoff stated there has been an offer for the release of 10 hostages but blamed Hamas for delaying an agreement. He emphasized, “It was Hamas who slow played that process, and it is Hamas now who is saying we accept that deal.”

Recent reports indicate disagreements within the Israeli security cabinet over a partial hostage deal. The official stance from Jerusalem remains firm: full release of all hostages is required before any ceasefire.

A spokesperson for the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said, “We are hopeful that with this deal on the table, we will finally see our loved ones return.”

The group added, “Time is running out, and we know that only by finalizing this deal can we bring all 50 hostages home – those who are alive to begin their healing journey, and those who were tragically lost to receive a dignified burial. We have no time left – let’s make this deal happen now.”

The Forum expressed disappointment with Israel’s refusal to consider a partial agreement, stating the government is not acting according to public demands. Massive demonstrations in Tel Aviv have seen hundreds of thousands call for the government to prioritize hostage return.

Witkoff explained negotiations about Gaza’s future can happen once the hostages are released, suggesting that uncertainties about the region and Hamas’s fate are important but secondary.

He clarified that any possible exchange involving Palestinian prisoners can be considered for the sake of getting hostages home.

Fifty hostages are still detained by Hamas, with only 20 believed to be alive by Israeli assessments.

Former President Donald Trump predicted a “conclusive” end to the Gaza war in the coming weeks but did not provide further details. The Forum welcomed his statement, affirming their hopes for a swift resolution and the hostages’ return.

Witkoff also noted that Trump will be leading a White House meeting to outline post-war plans for Gaza, pending further details on participants. A White House official concluded, “President Trump has been clear that he wants the war to end, and he wants peace and prosperity for everyone in the region. The White House has nothing additional to share on the meeting at this time.”

America remains committed to standing by its allies and demanding justice while negotiations continue to stall.

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