Washington [US], July 19 (ANI): U.S. President Donald Trump said another 10 hostages held in Gaza are expected to be released “very shortly,” amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Doha between Israeli and Hamas delegations, The Jerusalem Post reported.
“We got most of the hostages back. We’re going to have another 10 coming very shortly, and we hope to have that finished quickly,” Trump said during a dinner with lawmakers at the White House on Friday, according to The Jerusalem Post. The president also praised his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, for his role in the ongoing talks.
Israeli and Hamas negotiators have been engaged in the latest round of ceasefire talks in Doha since July 6, discussing a U.S.-backed proposal for a 60-day ceasefire. Trump has repeatedly suggested in recent weeks that a new hostage deal is close to being finalized.
On Friday, a senior Hamas spokesperson warned the group would not consider additional interim truces if a deal is not reached in the current round of negotiations.
“We are closely monitoring the ongoing negotiations and hope they will result in an agreement that guarantees the cessation of the war against our people, the withdrawal of occupation forces, and the relief of our people,” said Abu Ubaida, spokesperson for Hamas’ Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, in a video statement, as cited by The Jerusalem Post.
Former Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday that the United States and its Middle East partners were “85% of the way” toward a deal before the Trump administration took over. Despite that, the early days of Trump’s term saw a breakthrough in hostage negotiations after months of stalled talks.
Hamas abducted more than 250 people during its October 7, 2023, attack, when the group invaded southern Israel and killed over 1,200 people. According to The Jerusalem Post, 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with 20 believed to still be alive.
The ongoing diplomatic efforts are part of a broader push to end the hostilities and secure the safe return of the remaining hostages. (ANI)
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