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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel met with Adam Boehler, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s special envoy for hostage affairs, on Monday, as negotiations continue for the release of remaining Hamas captives in Gaza. Boehler’s visit included private meetings with Defense Minister Israel Katz, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana.

Trump addressed the hostage situation during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort, expressing his commitment to securing their release. Similarly, outgoing President Joe Biden, during the final White House Chanukah celebration of his administration, highlighted his administration’s success in freeing over 100 hostages and promised continued efforts.

The previous ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which lasted from November 24-30, resulted in the release of 105 captives, including 81 Israelis and 24 foreign nationals. Currently, approximately 100 hostages remain in Gaza, with 36 confirmed deceased.

Defense Minister Katz expressed optimism about an imminent deal during a Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee meeting. He indicated that Hamas has shown flexibility regarding Israeli troop deployments along the Philadelphi Corridor and Netzarim Corridor, removing previous obstacles to negotiations.

“I have instructed the security establishment to place the release of hostages at the forefront of our priorities in the ongoing conflict,” Katz said.

“This is the policy I advocate for, and I am actively working to advance it. With Hamas demonstrating a newfound willingness to compromise, we are hopeful that practical steps can be taken soon. As I have said before, this is a moral obligation and the most important mission before us,” Katz continued.

A senior Palestinian official involved in negotiations told the BBC that discussions had reached a critical stage. Israeli representatives are currently in Doha, Qatar, working on establishing procedures for northern Gaza civilian movement, a system previously rejected by Hamas.

Reports suggest significant progress in formulating a new ceasefire agreement, potentially to be completed by Chanukah, beginning December 25. The proposed deal includes a phased release of hostages, starting with adults over 50 and humanitarian cases, in exchange for a six-week ceasefire.

Katz later clarified Israel’s post-war stance on Gaza, emphasizing continued security control similar to arrangements in Judea and Samaria. This statement followed reports of different positions expressed in private meetings with American officials.

At the Knesset, hostage families gathered to voice their concerns. Hadassah Lazar, sister of captive Shlomo Mansour, advocated for a comprehensive deal that would free all hostages simultaneously. Tikva Forum co-founder Tzvika Mor, whose son Eitan remains captive, echoed these sentiments, opposing staged releases.

“We are not ready to accept a deal in stages as we believe it will bring death upon those who will be left there,” he continued. “I came here today to demand a deal that brings everyone home in one day. We will settle for less than that.”

Galit Fisch, aunt of hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen, expressed cautious optimism about the negotiations’ progress, while Hen Avidgori, whose family members were previously released, emphasized the importance of securing freedom for all remaining captives for societal healing.

“We entered this war broken, separated, and Israeli society is not in good shape. Everybody thinks there should be a rebirth like a phoenix that rises from its ashes, but we cannot do it without first bringing all ashes back together. We cannot do anything to repair our ill society without getting everybody home.”