White House envoy Steve Witkoff is holding discussions with Israel, Qatar and Egypt and through them with Hamas on a possible Gaza hostage deal and larger peace discussions, a source with knowledge of the talks told me.

We want the hostages returned, but Israel doesn't want to end the war.

Wittkov presented Hamas, through mediators, with a proposal for a partial deal that would begin with the release of 10 Israeli prisoners according to previously discussed criteria, in exchange for a ceasefire of up to 70 days, during which a final deal would be negotiated.

*As part of the efforts being made by our mediating brothers to achieve a ceasefire, Hamas has been in contact with the US administration over the past few days, and the movement has shown great positivity. The release of Israeli soldier Idan Alexander, who holds dual US citizenship, will be part of the steps being taken to achieve a ceasefire, open the crossings, and allow aid and relief to reach our people in the Gaza Strip.*

The movement affirms its readiness to immediately begin intensive negotiations and to exert serious efforts to reach a final agreement to cease the war, exchange prisoners by mutual consent, and administer the Gaza Strip to an independent, professional body, ensuring continued calm and stability for many years, along with reconstruction and an end to the blockade.

The movement appreciates the tireless efforts made by the mediating brothers in the sisterly State of Qatar and the Arab Republic of Egypt, as well as by the brothers in Türkiye, throughout the past period.

The US informed Israel of Hamas's intention to release Idan Alexander as a gesture of goodwill toward the Americans, without any compensation or conditions.