Israel seeks new Egypt talks to free Hamas captives

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Israeli negotiators headed to Egypt for crucial talks with senior Egyptian officials on Sunday, focusing on securing the release of 59 hostages who remain in Hamas captivity after more than 500 days.

The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed the meeting, stating, “As instructed by [Israeli] Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the negotiating team is now meeting in Egypt with senior Egyptian officials to discuss the issue of the hostages.”

This development follows the team’s recent unsuccessful diplomatic efforts in Doha, Qatar, where they attempted to extend the initial phase of a three-stage ceasefire agreement with Hamas in exchange for freeing more captives.

A new proposal, put forward by U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff, suggested Hamas release 11 living hostages and half of the deceased captives they hold, coinciding with a ceasefire during Passover and Ramadan. The plan included provisions for releasing remaining hostages pending a war-ending agreement following the truce period.

Compare the Israeli border with Gaza and the Egyptian border with Gaza.

After this war is over, Israel needs to contract Egypt or build up its borders.

Israel vs. Egypt pic.twitter.com/Vtp9e95dn6

— Marina Medvin 🇺🇸 (@MarinaMedvin) March 14, 2024

However, Hamas dismissed this proposal, pushing instead to progress to the second phase of the ceasefire plan. The significant differences between both parties regarding Phase 2 prompted Witkoff’s compromise proposal to prevent renewed conflict.

Speaking to CNN’s Jake Tapper on “State of the Union,” Witkoff expressed his frustration, stating, “I thought the proposal was compelling. The Israelis were informed about it and advised about it beforehand. After waiting for about two or three days for an answer from Hamas — which is their usual mode — we got a non-acceptable response.”

He emphasized his disappointment, adding, “It was totally unacceptable.”

Israel’s Survival Depends on One Thing: Ourselves. 🇮🇱💪

Alliances come and go. History has shown that yesterday’s friend can be tomorrow’s enemy. Iran was once our strongest ally – now it funds terror against us. Turkey followed the same path. Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan?… pic.twitter.com/qZzohtTU2D

— Avi Abelow (@aviabelow) March 17, 2025

Witkoff issued a stern warning about the diminishing window of opportunity, referencing recent U.S. military action against Yemen’s Houthis. “I believe they have an opportunity, but it is slipping away quickly. What happened with the Houthis yesterday, what happened with our strike, ought to inform as to where we stand with regard to terrorism and our tolerance level for terrorist actions—and I would encourage Hamas to get much more sensible.”

The U.S. launched extensive military operations against Houthi forces in Yemen on Saturday evening under President Trump’s direction.

According to IDF intelligence, of the 59 hostages still in Hamas custody, 35 are confirmed deceased, 22 are verified alive, and the fate of two remains unknown.