Israeli official lays out state of hostage talks, says no dramatic developments

There have been no dramatic developments in hostage talks in Doha in recent days, an Israeli official tells The Times of Israel. Hamas still has not provided a list of living hostages, but talks are ongoing.

Egypt is not present at the talks, says the official. “They help when there are certain obstacles. It is possible that if there is progress we will bring in the Egyptians physically. For now, they’re helping from the side.”

In recent days, discussions have focused on Hamas’s demand that the war in Gaza end in order to release the hostages not freed in the first “humanitarian” phase.

“We are trying to find language that is ambiguous enough to square the circle,” says the official.

There is also disagreement over freeing male hostages under 50. “Hamas says they are willing to release them, but they want a lot of ‘valuable’ terrorists, terrorists with blood on their hands, released,” according to the official.

Contradicting recent reports in the media, the official insists that Israel is not open to giving Hamas a short ceasefire period to put together a list of living hostages. “Fake news,” says the official.

Israel welcomes the arrival of top Donald Trump aide Steve Witkoff to the Qatar talks. “More pressure on Hamas is always welcome,” says the official.