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Some Progress in Hostage Talks But Major Issues Remain, Source tells i24NEWS
Demonstrators hold signs and pictures of hostages, as relatives and supporters of Israeli hostages kidnapped during the Oct. 7, 2023 attack by Hamas protest demanding the release of all hostages in Tel Aviv, Israel, Feb. 13, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Itai Ron
i24 News – A source familiar with the ongoing negotiations for a hostage deal confirmed to i24NEWS on Friday that some progress has been made in talks, currently taking place with Egypt, including the exchange of draft proposals. However, it remains unclear whether Hamas will ultimately accept the emerging framework. According to the source, discussions are presently focused on reaching a cohesive outline with Cairo.
A delegation of senior Hamas officials is expected to arrive in Cairo tomorrow. While there is still no finalized draft, even Arab sources acknowledge revisions to Egypt’s original proposal, reportedly including a degree of flexibility in the number of hostages Hamas is willing to release.
The source noted that Hamas’ latest proposal to release five living hostages is unacceptable to Israel, which continues to adhere to the “Witkoff framework.” At the core of this framework is the release of a significant number of hostages, alongside a prolonged ceasefire period—Israel insists on 40 days, while Hamas is demanding more. The plan avoids intermittent pauses or distractions, aiming instead for uninterrupted discussions on post-war arrangements.
As previously reported, Israel is also demanding comprehensive medical and nutritional reports on all living hostages as an early condition of the deal.
“For now,” the source told i24NEWS, “Hamas is still putting up obstacles. We are not at the point of a done deal.” Israeli officials emphasize that sustained military and logistical pressure on Hamas is yielding results, pointing to Hamas’ shift from offering one hostage to five in its most recent agreement.
Negotiators also assert that Israel’s demands are fully backed by the United States. Ultimately, Israeli officials are adamant: no negotiations on the “day after” will take place until the hostage issue is resolved—a message directed not only at Hamas, but also at mediators.
The post Some Progress in Hostage Talks But Major Issues Remain, Source tells i24NEWS first appeared on Algemeiner.com.
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Families of Gaza Captives Hold Passover Meal at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square
Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square on Jan. 19, 2025, as three Israeli hostages were set to be released from Hamas captivity as part of a Gaza ceasefire deal. Photo: Taken by author
i24 News – Families of Gaza hostages and their supporters held a public Passover Seder at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square on Saturday night, amid reports of stalemate and foot dragging in the negotiations on the release of the remaining 59 hostages, over 20 of whom are believed to be alive.
Ahead of the Tel Aviv event, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum urged Israelis to turn out to Hostages Square outside the Tel Aviv Museum.
“Bring your holiday meal with you, bring a mat or chair, come with the kids, come with friends — let’s be together,” the statement read.
“How can we sit at the Seder table and tell the story of our journey from slavery to freedom while 59 of our brothers and sisters are still held captive by Hamas?” the Forum asked.
Karina Ariev, an IDF spotter who was released in January as part of the first phase of a ceasefire-hostage deal, urged Israelis celebrating the Seder to “leave an empty chair for the hostages, and do not forget them.”
“Although I am here, my heart is still there. There are still 59 hostages waiting for their freedom holiday, waiting to be brought home,” she added. “I think about them, and I think about us because until they return, none of us can truly be free.”
The post Families of Gaza Captives Hold Passover Meal at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square first appeared on Algemeiner.com.
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White House: Witkoff’s ‘Direct Communication’ With Iran a Step Forward to Mutually Beneficial Outcome
US President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy-designate Steve Witkoff gives a speech at the inaugural parade inside Capital One Arena on the inauguration day of Trump’s second presidential term, in Washington, DC, Jan. 20, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Carlos Barria
i24 News – Saturday’s meeting between US special presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqhchi to hash out the impasse on the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program yielded “very positive and constructive” discussions, the White House said on Saturday.
“Special Envoy Witkoff underscored to Dr. Araqhchi that he had instructions from President Trump to resolve our two nations’ differences through dialogue and diplomacy, if that is possible,” the White House said in a statement.
“These issues are very complicated, and Special Envoy Witkoff’s direct communication today was a step forward in achieving a mutually beneficial outcome.”
The two sides will meet again next Saturday, it confirmed.
Speaking to Iranian state media, Araghchi described the meeting as constructive.
“Neither we nor the other side are interested in fruitless negotiations – so-called ‘talks for the sake of talks,’ wasting time, or drawn-out, exhausting negotiations,” he said. “Both sides, including the Americans, have said that their goal is also to reach an agreement in the shortest possible time. However, that will certainly not be an easy task.”
The post White House: Witkoff’s ‘Direct Communication’ With Iran a Step Forward to Mutually Beneficial Outcome first appeared on Algemeiner.com.
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100,000 Flock to Israeli National Parks for Passover Festivities
Caesarea National Park’s newly restored Roman fountain, which was originally built in the corner of the platform of King Herod’s former temple in the 1st century AD. Photo: Israel Antiquities Authority.
i24 News – As the Passover holiday began, Israelis turned to nature to celebrate, with nearly 100,000 visitors flocking to the country’s national parks and nature reserves over the weekend.
From north to south, families and travelers embraced the spring weather and Israel’s rich natural and historical sites.
In the north, Banias, Arbel, Ein Afek, and Caesarea National Park drew large crowds, while central Israel’s Tel Afek and Beit Guvrin, and southern sites such as Ein Gedi, Matzok HaTzinim, and the iconic Masada, were popular destinations.
Camping was also a major draw, with 1,100 people spending the night before the holiday at Nature and Parks Authority campsites. Horshat Tal, Mamshit, and Be’erot were the most visited overnight spots.
To enrich the intermediate days of Passover (Chol HaMoed), the Israel Nature and Parks Authority has teamed up with Mifal HaPais to launch the “Breathe Culture” festival.
The event will bring vibrant performances—ranging from street art and music to circus acts and opera—across national parks including Yehiam Fortress, Tsipori, Kokhav HaYarden, Tel Megiddo, Migdal Tzedek, and Mamshit.
Additional themed experiences include a butterfly festival at Ein Afek, the “Masada Challenge” at the ancient fortress, and a nighttime adventure in Beit She’an National Park.
The high turnout reflects a growing desire among Israelis to reconnect with their natural and cultural heritage—particularly during Passover, a time of renewal and reflection. Visitors are encouraged to pre-register for events and activities via the Nature and Parks Authority website to secure their spots.
The post 100,000 Flock to Israeli National Parks for Passover Festivities first appeared on Algemeiner.com.