Hamas Opens Talks; First Hostage Releases Expected

President Donald Trump said “very positive discussions” have been held with Hamas and other countries and that the first phase of a hostage release is expected this week, urging negotiators to move quickly. Hamas has sent a delegation led by Khalil al‑Hayya to Egypt to begin talks on ceasefire mechanisms, a phased Israeli withdrawal map and prisoner exchanges, with U.S. envoys expected to participate. Israeli leaders expressed caution: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a full return of hostages must occur before other clauses proceed and vowed to use force if deadlines are missed, while ministers warned Hamas could try to buy time. U.S. officials said the second phase of the plan — demilitarization and disarmament of Hamas — will be difficult to implement, and regional ministers welcomed Hamas’s readiness to engage. International figures urged a ceasefire, the release of hostages and urgent humanitarian relief amid continuing concern for civilians.