Israel confirms: Some progress achieved in U.S.-Hamas hostage talks

Israel has confirmed that some progress has been made in the negotiations conducted between the United States and Hamas. The progress comes following talks led by President Donald Trump's envoy, Adam Boehler, with senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya, who was involved in planning the Oct. 7 massacre, according to a report aired today (Sunday) on the "This Morning" program on Kan Reshet Bet.

An Israeli delegation is expected to arrive in Doha on Monday for negotiations, with its mandate set to be determined today in a cabinet discussion. U.S. envoy Witkoff is scheduled to arrive in the region on Tuesday. The initial focus of the talks will be on defining the negotiation framework.

The Saudi news channel Al-Hadath reported last night that Hamas has agreed to the American initiative, which proposes extending the first phase of the hostage deal in exchange for the release of several living hostages. According to the report, progress in the negotiations between Hamas and the Americans forced Israel to announce the dispatch of its delegation to Doha.

However, senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi denied these reports, claiming they were inaccurate. He emphasized that Hamas remains committed to the agreement already reached and its second phase.

Earlier, Kan 11's "Saturday News" reported, citing an Israeli source, that the U.S. had indeed initiated a framework for the release of ten hostages. Under this plan, ten living hostages would be freed in exchange for a two-month extension of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.