Hamas: “Israel Agrees to Release 10 Hostages, but Talks Remain Difficult” July 9, 2025 Doha, Qatar The Pa

[ad_1]
📰 Hamas: “Israel Agrees to Release 10 Hostages, but Talks Remain Difficult”
🗓️ July 9, 2025
📍 Doha, Qatar

📄 The Palestinian militant group Hamas announced on July 9 that it has reached an agreement with Israel to release 10 hostages amid ongoing indirect ceasefire negotiations in Doha. However, Hamas emphasized that Israel’s firm stance continues to make progress difficult.

According to the group’s statement, the talks—mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States—are addressing multiple key issues, including the delivery of humanitarian aid, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and guarantees of a permanent end to hostilities.

Reuters and AP report that while some movement has occurred, Israel’s intent to maintain a military presence in southern Gaza remains a major sticking point in the talks.

Despite this, Israeli officials are showing cautious optimism. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox Business Network, “I think we are close to reaching a deal,” and added, “There is a high chance the negotiations will succeed.”

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, speaking in Bratislava, Slovakia, echoed the sentiment, saying, “Israel is negotiating seriously and believes a deal is possible,” and, “If a temporary ceasefire is achieved, we are ready to discuss a permanent end to the war.”

Meanwhile, Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, stated that a 60-day temporary ceasefire in Gaza could be reached “within this week.” If successful, the deal would reportedly involve the release of 10 surviving hostages and the return of the bodies of 9 others to Israel.

While deep divisions persist—particularly over military withdrawal and long-term guarantees—the involvement of multiple mediators and the political will expressed by both sides increase the likelihood of a short-term breakthrough. A 60-day truce, if achieved, could pave the way for broader negotiations and humanitarian relief, though lasting peace remains uncertain.

🔗 Reported from Doha, Qatar – World News War Correspondence Desk
,IsraelGaza ,Hamas ,HostageCrisis ,MiddleEast ,CeasefireTalks ,WorldNews

---