As a possible breakthrough nears between the sides, Hamas 'does not oppose the release of hostages that hold citizenship from captivity, nor would it oppose a gesture of 'good will' by the US.

Steve Witkoff says Israel must maintain ceasefire in Gaza until he arrives in the region -- even if Hamas refuses to release hostages

US Special Mideast Envoy Steve Witkoff says he is optimistic that a resolution can be reached to progress to the second stage of the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal.

Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s special envoy for the Middle East, may travel to the region on Sunday if indirect talks between Israel and Hamas on a second phase of a ceasefire deal show

I t was 1986: Greed was good and the hours were punishing. Still, even round-the-clock dealmakers had to eat. That is how Donald Trump happened upon Steve Witkoff at a deli counter in midtown Manhattan at 3am. One was a son of Queens, the other of the Bronx. Both were hungry. Mr Witkoff paid.

Israel has agreed to a US-proposed plan to extend the Gaza ceasefire through Ramzan and Passover, offering a temporary truce in exchange for the release of hostages. However, Hamas has rejected the proposal,

The announcement signaled a breakdown in the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal, the first phase of which expired Saturday with no clear next steps.

Israel's government said early Sunday it supports a proposal to extend the first phase of the ceasefire in Gaza through Ramadan and Passover.

Steve Witkoff, U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, spoke with Margaret Brennan on Face the Nation Sunday about the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas entering a crucial phase, and about the Trump administration's efforts to make a deal to end the war in Ukraine.

Israeli source: No expectation for Trump envoy Steve Witkoff to visit Israel • Sources ... which would be the final day of the ceasefire. Another source said that there was no expectation ...