Significant Progress Made in Israel-Hamas Hostage and Ceasefire Talks – One America News Network
OAN Staff James Meyers
7:40 AM – Monday, January 13, 2025
Israel and Hamas achieved a crucial “breakthrough” in ceasefire negotiations on Monday morning, aiming to end over 15 months of conflict and facilitate the return of the remaining hostages.
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The discussions took place in Qatar, attended by representatives of both President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump, with Hamas hinting at the release of numerous terrorists captured by Israel.
While a final agreement is yet to be established, a source involved in the discussions shared with Reuters, “The next 24 hours will be crucial in reaching an agreement.”
The negotiations center on a list of more than 30 hostages that Hamas has indicated it is prepared to release, without clarifying how many of these individuals might still be alive.
Additionally, the terrorist group has pledged to release its own detainees, anticipating a new agreement.
“We reaffirm our commitment to our steadfast and patient people and to our brave prisoners in jail, declaring that their freedom is imminent,” the organization stated, according to the Times of Israel.
As reported by Reuters, Steve Witkoff, who is set to become the U.S. envoy when Trump assumes office again next week, was present at the talks.
Moreover, Trump’s inauguration on January 20 has been noted as a deadline for hostage releases, with the incoming 47th president previously warning Hamas that there would be severe consequences if hostages are not freed.
Biden spoke with Netanyahu on Sunday, emphasizing the “urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza and the return of hostages, along with a surge in humanitarian aid allowed by a halt in hostilities under the agreement,” the White House announced.
Almost 100 hostages, including seven Americans, remain in Hamas’s custody in Gaza following the October 7th attack against Israel. Officials suggest that nearly half of them may not be alive.
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