US Envoy: Gaza Offensive Will End “Immediately” Upon Release of All Captives

The US Special Envoy for Hostage Response, Adam Boehler, stated that Israeli attacks on Gaza would cease “immediately” if Hamas releases all remaining captives, Al Jazeera reports.

Boehler’s comments come as the death toll from Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza has surpassed 51,000, with over 1,600 Palestinians killed since renewed attacks began following the breakdown of a previous ceasefire.

“I can tell you that the fighting would end immediately, immediately if hostages are released,” Boehler said. “The day that those hostages are released, the fighting will end.”

Boehler emphasized that President Trump has made it clear that “nothing goes forward until all hostages are released.” He outlined a two-step plan:

“Step one is all hostages released. Step two is, let’s figure out this day after.”

Hamas has consistently stated that they will only release more captives upon reaching a new agreement that guarantees a permanent end to the fighting, including a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. These demands have proven to be a significant sticking point in negotiations.

The previous six-week ceasefire saw Hamas release 33 captives in exchange for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza and the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. A follow-up agreement, in principle, aimed for the release of all remaining captives in exchange for a permanent ceasefire. A third phase was planned to address the recovery of bodies and the implementation of a reconstruction plan for Gaza.

However, negotiations faltered after the initial phase, leading to Israel resuming its offensive. The United Nations estimates that at least 500,000 Palestinians have been newly displaced in the latest escalation of violence.

Recently, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced the completion of a “security zone” between Rafah and Khan Younis in southern Gaza, signaling an intention to “vigorously” expand military operations in the region.

Israel estimates that 24 living captives, believed to be male soldiers, remain in Gaza. The bodies of 35 other captives are also believed to be held within the enclave.