Representatives of the Israeli negotiation team met this evening (Sunday) in Egypt with senior officials from the country to discuss the ongoing hostage situation. This meeting follows comments made earlier today by U.S. mediator Steve Witkoff, who is leading the efforts to secure the release of Israeli hostages. Speaking to CNN, Witkoff expressed a firm stance regarding Hamas’ latest proposal, stating, “We received an unacceptable response from Hamas. I won’t go into details, but their window of opportunity is closing rapidly.”
“I Advise Hamas to Take This Very Seriously”
Witkoff emphasized that the U.S. approach toward the Houthis in Yemen reflects Washington’s stance on other terrorist organizations, including Hamas. “What happened with the Houthis shows where we stand against terror groups. I strongly advise Hamas to take these matters far more seriously,” he declared.
He further stated that Hamas’ latest proposal is not a basis for negotiations. “The Hamas offer is a non-starter,” he said, implying that the demands made by Hamas are unacceptable to the involved parties.
U.S. Threatens: “Hamas Had an Opportunity – It’s Closing Fast”
Witkoff revealed that he spent seven and a half hours in discussions with leaders from Arab nations, during which a “bridge plan” was proposed to secure the release of five live hostages in exchange for the release of Hamas prisoners.
Widespread Strikes Against the Houthis in Yemen
Last night the United States launched a broad military operation against the Houthis in Yemen after the group announced plans to resume attacks on international ships in the Red Sea. The U.S. air and sea strikes targeted command centers, missile systems, radar installations, and air defense networks in Sana’a and Al Hudaydah. The Houthi-controlled Health Ministry in Yemen reported nine fatalities and nine injuries.
