The Prime Minister's Office stated this afternoon (Friday) that Hamas' claim that it agreed to release the five American hostages is a mere ploy and psychological warfare,.
"Hamas' alleged 'offer' to release hostages with American citizenship is intended to sabotage negotiations and is mere manipulation," An Israeli official said. "Hamas has not changed its position one bit, despite the efforts of the Americans and the mediators, and despite our willingness to be flexible."
The PMO added that, "While Israel accepted the Witkoff framework, Hamas persists in its refusal and continues to wage psychological warfare against hostage families The Prime Minister will convene the ministerial team tomorrow evening for a detailed briefing from the negotiating team, and to decide on steps to free the hostages and achieve all our war objectives."
Yesterday, it was reported that under Witkoff's newest proposal, the ceasefire would be extended by 50 days and Israel would release convicted terrorists, in exchange for the release of a number of hostages.
During this period, talks would resume on the deal's second stage, which would see Israel withdraw completely from Gaza, despite Hamas' repeated violations of the ceasefire.
The number of hostages to be released under this proposal is not yet clear, though there are indications that five living hostages and nine deceased hostages may be released, among them US citizens.
Hamas rejected a previous proposal to extend the ceasefire by two months in exchange for half of the hostages released at the start of the two months and half at the end. The terror group also rejected a US proposal to extend the ceasefire by two months in exchange for the release of ten hostages.
Earlier Friday, Hamas claimed that it had agreed to release Edan Alexander and the bodies of four other American citizens held hostage in Gaza.
The Hostage Families Forum welcomed the annoucement of the return of the hostages, but urged the deal to be expanded to the rest of them.
"The return of any number of hostages must only be the beginning of an immediate and comprehensive deal to secure the release of all hostages," the organization stated.
"We know from our loved ones who were released about the horrific conditions those still in captivity endure. Without a comprehensive deal, we risk sealing the fate of all remaining hostages."
"As President Trump has assured our families and the world, and as he has stated time and again, the return of all hostages is a top priority for his adminsitration. His commitment to bringing our loved ones home has given us hope during this darkest of times."
"As of today, 59 hostages remain. We pray every single day for a deal that brings every one of them home, immediately."
