Witkoff told the families of Israeli prisoners that they want to return Israeli prisoners, “but Israel is not ready to end the war.” He added, “Israel is prolonging it even though we don’t see where else we can move forward — and we need to reach an agreement.”
Witkoff stressed there is a narrow window of opportunity. “We are putting pressure on all the mediators and doing everything to return the 'kidnapped',” he said.
The families of the Israeli prisoners have urged the government to reach a ceasefire deal. Many support pausing the war to bring the prisoners home, then resuming the genocide against the people of Gaza. “First bring them back, then fight,” read signs at recent protests in Tel Aviv and occupied Jerusalem.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had repeatedly blocked ceasefire deals to protect his political future. Multiple reports have shown Netanyahu rejecting or delaying truce proposals backed by international mediators.
Meanwhile, a senior Hamas official told Al Jazeera that the group is now in advanced and direct talks with the U.S. administration. The negotiations focus on ending the genocide and bringing humanitarian aid into Gaza.
A senior Palestinian source confirmed to Reuters that the talks have been ongoing for days. They involve U.S. officials and seek to end the genocide and ease the humanitarian crisis in the besieged strip.
Despite mounting U.S. pressure, Netanyahu’s government refuses to commit to a ceasefire. Witkoff’s rare public criticism reflects growing frustration in Washington.
