Israeli official says headway made since unprecedented direct discussions between Washington and terror group; US plan said to propose 10 hostages freed for 60-day truce The post Witkoff expected to join Doha hostage deal talks;

The threat of joint US-Israeli military action against Hamas is on the table if the terrorist organization refuses to free all remaining hostages held captive in Gaza — with President Trump saying “somebody” will have to match Hamas’ ruthlessness.

It was yesterday revealed that the United States has held talks with the militant group - which is proscribed by the US and UK - breaking a longstanding position to not negotiate with terrorists.

President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff said that direct U.S. discussions with Hamas militants were in recent days and the message to the Palestinian militant group was that the United States wants to get hostages home.

Pointing out the intensive efforts of U.S. envoy Steve Witcoff to secure a Gaza ceasefire, an Israeli official told i24NEWS on Saturday that it remained to be seen whether the shuttle diplomacy will bear fruit.

President Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff will return this week to the Middle East, where he will seek an "extension" of Phase One of the ceasefire 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

Additionally, Hamas announced its agreement to form a committee of national and independent figures to govern Gaza until elections are held in the war-torn Strip.