Netanyahu Hints at 'Significant Progress' in Hostage Talks, But Says It's 'Too Early to Raise Hopes'

By Ahora Qadi

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Tuesday that “significant progress” has been made in the ongoing hostage negotiations with Hamas, though he cautioned that it remains premature to expect a breakthrough.

In a televised statement, Netanyahu said, “It is too early to talk about hope, but we are working tirelessly and around the clock. I hope we can move forward.” Netanyahu also noted that he will follow-up consultations by phone with his inner circle of senior ministers and advisors to discuss the latest developments in the talks.

Israeli Officials Urge Caution Amid Progress

According to Times of Israel, the Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar echoed the Netanyahu’s remarks, stating, “Significant progress has recently been achieved. However, given past experience, I prefer not to overstate the situation at this stage.”

Sa’ar emphasized Israel’s interest in reaching a deal that would include a ceasefire with Hamas. “We are interested in reaching an agreement that includes a cessation of hostilities,” he affirmed.

U.S. Officials: No Breakthrough Yet, But Talks Are Advancing

Meanwhile, a correspondent from the U.S.-based Axios reported via the X, citing senior Israeli and American officials, that no immediate breakthrough is expected in the upcoming round of ceasefire negotiations scheduled for later this week. However, the report underlined that efforts to persuade Hamas to soften its stance on a U.S.-supported ceasefire proposal are progressing steadily.

The proposal put forward by the United States includes a 60-day truce between Israel and Hamas. While Israel has indicated its willingness to commit to the framework, Hamas has thus far rejected the terms.

According to the current plan, in the first week of the ceasefire, 28 Israeli hostages — including the bodies of several deceased captives — would be released in exchange for 1,236 Palestinian detainees and the remains of 180 Palestinians.

Strategic Pressure Amid Cautious Optimism

The emerging optimism in Israeli leadership comes amid mounting pressure domestically and internationally to bring the hostages home and halt the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has entered its most prolonged and destructive phase since the war began.

Despite progress, both sides remain locked in delicate negotiations, with U.S. mediators working to bridge the gaps between Hamas' demands and Israeli conditions for hostages’ release and cessation of hostilities.