Israel ‘more likely than not’ to reach Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal, official says

By Nava Freiberg

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16 July 2025, 4:17 pm

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Nava Freiberg is The Times of Israel's deputy diplomatic correspondent.

Anti-government protesters demonstrate for the release of hostages in Tel Aviv on July 12, 2025. (Jack Guez/AFP)

Israel feels optimistic regarding a potential deal for the release of hostages, according to a senior Israeli official at a briefing with reporters.

“It’s more likely that we will reach a deal than not. A hostage deal is attainable,” the official says.

“I don’t know how much longer it will take — negotiating with Hamas is never a simple or short event,” the official adds.

“The government is interested in the release of hostages, and this is the position led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,” the official continues, but adds that “There are disagreements at various levels… issues we haven’t yet fully resolved, like the parameters for release.”