Trump Confirms Hostages to Be Freed “Very Shortly”
On July 18, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced during a White House dinner with Republican lawmakers that 10 additional Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza will be released “very shortly” (Reuters). Trump emphasized the progress made so far—“we got most of the hostages back”—and praised his Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, calling him “fantastic” for his efforts in mediating the deal (Reuters).
Ceasefire Talks in Doha: 60-Day Pause Proposed
The pending release is part of a U.S.-backed ceasefire framework under negotiation in Doha, led by American, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators.
- The proposal includes a 60-day ceasefire, during which 10 living hostages and 18 bodies are to be exchanged for the release of an unspecified number of Palestinian detainees held by Israel (Reuters).
- Hamas has expressed conditional support for an interim truce, but has made clear that a broader permanent ceasefire and Israeli troop withdrawal are necessary preconditions for full cooperation (Reuters).
- While Trump and mediators continue to push for swift action, no finalized agreement has been signed; Trump described the deal as close, but weeks in the making (Reuters).
Hamas Holds Out for Broader Terms
Hamas’ military spokesperson has emphasized that while they are open to releasing hostages and endorsing a temporary pause, any interim deal must pave the way toward a permanent ceasefire (Reuters).
- Key sticking points include: the departure of Israeli forces from Gaza, humanitarian access, and durable safeguards to avert renewed hostilities (Reuters).
- Israeli officials, backing Trump’s efforts, warn that Hamas may be stalling, and are prepared to escalate operations if no deal materializes (ynetnews).
U.S. Diplomatic Investment
- Trump credited envoy Steve Witkoff for leading the hostage negotiations and outlined plans for his involvement in upcoming discussions in Doha (Reuters).
- Mossad Director David Barnea reportedly visited Washington to garner support for broader humanitarian measures, including relocating Palestinian civilians from Gaza to third countries (The Guardian).
Humanitarian and Security Stakes
The deal carries high human and geopolitical significance:
- Since October 2023, the Gaza conflict has claimed an estimated 58,600 Palestinian lives and around 1,650 Israeli and foreign nationals (Reuters).
- The release of hostages could offer immediate relief to families and provide much-needed breathing space for humanitarian aid deliveries.
- A fragile ceasefire might pave the way for longer-term solutions—but failure risks renewed violence in an already volatile region.
Next Steps & Outlook
- Immediate Release En Route: Trump has signalled that the initial group of 10 hostages should arrive very shortly, pending final logistical arrangements (ynetnews, Reuters).
- Ceasefire Talks Continue: Delegations from Israel, Hamas, and mediators remain in Doha, working to finalize the deal’s terms—particularly around troop withdrawal and hostage numbers (Reuters).
- Final Agreement Pending: While optimism is rising, significant hurdles—especially Hamas’s demand for enforcement mechanisms tied to a full ceasefire—continue to delay a definitive resolution (Reuters, Reuters).
Conclusion
Trump’s announcement marks a hopeful juncture in a protracted crisis: 10 hostages are expected to be freed soon, part of a broader proposal for a 60-day ceasefire and phased hostage returns. However, the final outcome remains uncertain. Hamas’s insistence on linking any release to a permanent truce underscores deep-seated challenges. As Doha negotiators press forward, the world watches closely—hoping that stalled diplomacy yields life-saving results for hostages and a step toward easing an entrenched conflict.
