Negotiations over a potential hostage exchange deal received a significant boost Wednesday with the expected arrival of U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff in the region. Witkoff is expected to meet in Europe with Israeli Minister Ron Dermer and a Qatari representative in an effort to finalize key details of a new agreement.
All sides are now awaiting a response from Hamas to Israel’s latest concessions. Israeli officials anticipate the group will issue a conditional acceptance, seeking to maximize terms as has been customary.
The main point of contention remains the withdrawal lines Israel would observe, with the gap narrowing to several hundred meters. Israel is reportedly willing to pull back approximately 1,000 to 1,200 meters from the Philadelphi route, while Hamas demands 800 meters. Hamas is also expected to press for the release of additional long-term prisoners, with the difference in demands believed to be around 100 to 150 detainees.
Israeli officials view the issue as resolvable and regard Witkoff’s arrival as a key sign of progress. Should negotiations advance, Witkoff is expected to travel to Doha to work toward formalizing the agreement. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a situation assessment Tuesday evening with his negotiation team in Doha.
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Arab media outlets reported Hamas’s reply could come within hours. Even if favorable, the initial deal is expected to be partial, covering about 60 days. Under the proposal, half of the living hostages and half of the deceased captives would be released: ten live hostages—eight on the first day and two on day 50—and 18 deceased captives in three additional phases.
The deal includes provisions for continued negotiations on a full end to the war and release of remaining captives. Hamas demands guarantees that the temporary ceasefire would extend beyond the 60-day period until a comprehensive agreement is reached. The exact terms of those guarantees remain under discussion.
First published: 08:28, 07.23.25