US envoys signals possible hostage deal as Israeli families approach 600 days of captivity for loved ones

Families of Israeli hostages, who met on Monday with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Adam Boehler, were informed that meaningful progress in negotiations for the release of their loved ones may be forthcoming in the near future.

This has brought much hope to the families who have now been waiting for the return of their loved ones for the last 599 days since the Hamas-led attack on southern Israeli communities on Oct. 7, 2023. Of the remaining 58 hostages still held in Gaza, around 20 are thought to still be alive.

The team negotiating on behalf of the Trump administration has been applying pressure on both Israel and the Hamas terrorist organization to resolve the hostage crisis and the humanitarian situation in Gaza, with the goal of reaching a permanent ceasefire.

Although U.S. officials have denied supporting a recent Hamas proposal delivered by U.S.-Palestinian businessman Bishara Bahbah, Israeli leaders suspect it was introduced as a strategic maneuver by Washington to pressure Israel into softening its stance on ending the war.

Israel is likely to resist a deal involving the release of only five living hostages – significantly fewer than the original Witkoff plan, which called for the release of 10 hostages on the first day of a ceasefire, along with the return of half the bodies of deceased captives.

Ynet News reported that the United States has urged Israel to accept a variation of the deal that includes American assurances to Hamas for an end to the war – a move that could make the terror group more inclined to agree to Witkoff's original terms.

The breakdown of earlier negotiations has reportedly further damaged Hamas' trust in Israel on any level, leading the group to now demand that any new agreement be personally signed by Witkoff. In addition, Witkoff would be expected to publicly shake hands with senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya – a gesture that would effectively signal U.S. recognition of Hamas.

Although Israel rejected Hamas’ proposal, senior officials recognized the negotiations as a potential breakthrough. Until now, Hamas had consistently demanded an immediate end to the war as a precondition for any deal. Government sources attribute this shift to increased military pressure and believe that maintaining such pressure could push Hamas toward accepting the original Witkoff plan.

Many hostage families continue to worry that the expanding military operation will endanger their loved ones in captivity even further. Meanwhile, Witkoff is actively urging Israeli leaders to show greater flexibility, as Wednesday will mark 600 days since the war began.

Families of Israelis held hostage in Gaza have been critical of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over recent ambiguous statements that appeared to suggest potential developments, yet offered no clear information or concrete details.

“These kinds of statements are destroying the families,” said Eli Albag, whose daughter Liri was released after 477 days in captivity. Albag made these remarks during a Tuesday morning interview with Ynet, responding to a video Netanyahu had shared the previous day. In the video, Netanyahu stated, “I hope we’ll be able to announce something,” sparking speculation about a possible breakthrough.

“There’s no real update, just a general expression of hope,” officials later clarified, emphasizing that no breakthrough is expected anytime soon. The statement drew sharp criticism from families, many of whom have endured months of emotional ups and downs, accusing the government of engaging in “emotional manipulation.”

“The prime minister casually throws in a comment about my brother’s life – it’s vile, whether there’s a deal or not,” Yotam Cohen, brother of Israeli hostage, IDF soldier Nimrod Cohen. “It’s being handled in a crude and disgusting way,” he told Ynet.

Cohen said that recently freed hostages described Nimrod as being in deteriorating condition – hardly eating and remaining uncommunicative with others in captivity. “If there’s no comprehensive deal, we won’t see the ones who are still alive,” he warned.

Hagai Angrest, the father of abducted soldier Matan Angrest, revealed that his son endured a brutal lynching, leaving him gravely injured and in critical condition. “The prime minister is treating this like theater. It’s not a joke – he’s playing with human lives instead of taking responsibility,” Angrest told Ynet.

“He hasn’t even met us. [Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing] Gal Hirsch said Netanyahu is too busy to spare even two minutes. In the U.S., I have an open door. There, hostage release is a top priority. Here, it’s item number 6.”

The families’ anger escalated following Netanyahu’s video message.

Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is being held hostage, expressed her anguish: “Netanyahu is tormenting us day and night while my Matan is alone in a tunnel, suffering from muscular atrophy. This has happened so many times – I can only interpret it as intentional abuse. Enough already. Give me back my child!”

Lishay Miran-Lavi, wife of hostage Omri Miran, posted on 𝕏: “Today, tomorrow – what difference does it make? You might have time, but they don’t. Wednesday will mark 600 days – 600 days that Omri has been in Hamas captivity. The only announcement we’re waiting for is the date Omri and the 57 other hostages are finally coming home. Tonight, Roni and Alma will once again say ‘good night’ to a poster of their dad. And once again, they’ll ask, ‘When?’”