Steve Witkoff, U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, said Sunday that despite ongoing challenges, the second phase of the Israel-Hamas hostage deal is “absolutely going to begin.”
Speaking to Fox News, Witkoff revealed that he held discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed Al Thani, and Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad. Talks focused on “timing and positions of the parties,” with further negotiations expected in Cairo or Doha.
Phase two aims to end the war while ensuring Hamas is removed from Gaza’s leadership. Though the deal does not explicitly require Hamas’ removal, the U.S., Israel, and the Trump administration insist they will not accept a Hamas-controlled Gaza.
Witkoff confirmed that this phase includes the release of 19 hostages, including U.S. citizen Edan Alexander. However, Israeli officials dispute the number, saying fewer than 10 IDF soldiers remain alive in Gaza. Hamas often classifies all Israeli adult males as soldiers, raising concerns about the true identities of those held.
Later, Axios journalist Barak Ravid reported that Witkoff clarified most of the 19 hostages are civilians abducted from the Nova music festival, with only “three or four” being soldiers.
At a Miami event marking 500 days since the Nova massacre, Witkoff assured families: “We are not leaving anybody behind.”
Regarding Trump’s controversial proposal for Gaza’s future, Witkoff claimed it sparked meaningful discussions among regional leaders. He suggested that Gaza’s displaced population could be relocated to Egypt, Jordan, or other unspecified nations willing to participate in humanitarian efforts.
Trump, speaking before boarding Air Force One, stated that Israel will decide the next steps “in consultation with me.” He also claimed his recent threat pushed Hamas to release three hostages on Saturday, though this contradicted the terms of the existing deal.
