We got most back: Trump says more Gaza hostages to be freed 'very shortly'

UPDATED: Jul 19, 2025 06:10 IST

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that another group of hostages held in Gaza would be released “very shortly,” as indirect ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas resumed in Doha.

“We got most of the hostages back,” Trump said during a White House dinner with lawmakers. “We’re going to have another 10 coming very shortly, and we hope to have that finished quickly.”

The president credited his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, for the ongoing negotiations. Talks have been underway since July 6 over a US-backed proposal that would establish a 60-day ceasefire in exchange for the gradual release of hostages and Palestinian detainees.

Under the current draft plan, 10 Israeli hostages and the bodies of 18 others would be returned over two months, while Israel would release an undisclosed number of imprisoned Palestinians.

While Trump has repeatedly said a ceasefire deal was imminent, no final agreement has been reached so far. However, a senior Hamas military spokesperson said Friday the group was open to an “interim truce” but warned it may insist on a broader “full package” if current talks fail.

The conflict has exacted a heavy toll: more than 58,600 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, according to local health authorities, while Israel reports nearly 1,650 deaths, including 1,200 during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on southern Israel.

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