White House Outlines Hostage–Prisoner Exchange Policy
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A senior Biden administration official outlined the exchange formula used for hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Under the deal, 33 hostages will be released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
Hamas holds nearly 100 Israeli hostages, and the Israeli military believes about a third are dead.
There is an equation for the number of prisoners needed to free certain hostages, referred to in the negotiation as “keys,” the official told reporters during a press call on Wednesday.
“For female soldiers, for example, there's a key,” the official said. “For elderly males, there's a key, and for women civilians, there's a key. And this has all been worked out.”
The official said that the Israelis have conducted exchanges this way in the past.
The Israelis demanded that all prisoners and hostages be known and agreed upon, the official said. That requirement caused the latest pause in negotiations in December 2024 because Hamas disagreed to the stipulation.
After Christmas, Hamas came back and agreed to a list of hostages to be released, the official said. Negotiations for this deal resumed on Jan. 5, and have been ongoing.
However, the Biden administration does not believe that the list of Palestinian prisoners being exchanged was going to be released.
Hamas holds nearly 100 Israeli hostages, and the Israeli military believes about a third are dead.
There is an equation for the number of prisoners needed to free certain hostages, referred to in the negotiation as “keys,” the official told reporters during a press call on Wednesday.
“For female soldiers, for example, there's a key,” the official said. “For elderly males, there's a key, and for women civilians, there's a key. And this has all been worked out.”
The official said that the Israelis have conducted exchanges this way in the past.
The Israelis demanded that all prisoners and hostages be known and agreed upon, the official said. That requirement caused the latest pause in negotiations in December 2024 because Hamas disagreed to the stipulation.
After Christmas, Hamas came back and agreed to a list of hostages to be released, the official said. Negotiations for this deal resumed on Jan. 5, and have been ongoing.
However, the Biden administration does not believe that the list of Palestinian prisoners being exchanged was going to be released.
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Netanyahu: Cease-Fire Agreement Still Incomplete
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While American and Qatari leaders have announced a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the deal is still not finalized.
Netanyahu said in a statement on Jan. 15 that the final details are still being worked out.
He added that he will only issue a formal statement “after the final details of the agreement, which are currently being worked on, are completed.”
The prime minister has not yet explicitly stated whether he will sign the deal or not.
Netanyahu said in a statement on Jan. 15 that the final details are still being worked out.
He added that he will only issue a formal statement “after the final details of the agreement, which are currently being worked on, are completed.”
The prime minister has not yet explicitly stated whether he will sign the deal or not.
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US Viewed Cease-Fire Impossible as Long as Sinwar Was Alive
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A senior Biden administration official said a cease-fire in the Israel–Hamas war was determined to be impossible as long as Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar remained in charge of the Gaza Strip.
Authorities concluded this last summer when it became clear that Sinwar was not interested in making a deal, the official said in a press call Wednesday. After Hamas refused a cease-fire proposal in August 2024, the group killed several hostages in a tunnel underneath Rafa, including Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin.
“Obviously that event set back any effort, say the least, to pursue a hostage deal,” the official said. “And we basically concluded that so long as Yahya Sinwar was alive, we are not going to get a deal for a cease-fire, hostage release.”
Sinwar’s death in October 2024 rekindled the possibility of a return to the negotiating table, the official said.
That event, combined with other strategic victories, such as Israel’s successful defense and retaliatory attacks against Iran’s missiles and strategic air defense systems, and the success Israel achieved in Lebanon, which resulted in a cease-fire in November 2024, was credited for bringing Hamas back to the negotiating table in December.
Authorities concluded this last summer when it became clear that Sinwar was not interested in making a deal, the official said in a press call Wednesday. After Hamas refused a cease-fire proposal in August 2024, the group killed several hostages in a tunnel underneath Rafa, including Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin.
“Obviously that event set back any effort, say the least, to pursue a hostage deal,” the official said. “And we basically concluded that so long as Yahya Sinwar was alive, we are not going to get a deal for a cease-fire, hostage release.”
Sinwar’s death in October 2024 rekindled the possibility of a return to the negotiating table, the official said.
That event, combined with other strategic victories, such as Israel’s successful defense and retaliatory attacks against Iran’s missiles and strategic air defense systems, and the success Israel achieved in Lebanon, which resulted in a cease-fire in November 2024, was credited for bringing Hamas back to the negotiating table in December.
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5 Female Israeli Soldiers Among First Hostages to be Released: White House
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A senior Biden administration official confirmed that five female Israeli soldiers will be released in the first wave of hostage–prisoner exchange beginning as early as Jan. 19.
“These are women Israeli soldiers who have been living in horrific conditions for a year and a half, and we hope to see them coming out and being returned to their families,” the official said. “On Sunday, they will be exchanged for a number of Palestinian Prisoners."
The official also said that negotiating teams on both sides have gone through the list of prisoners and hostages and “there is now no question” on which hostages will be released.
“This process for the Israelis to choose the prisoners and agree with Hamas is difficult and takes time, and you have lists of hundreds of prisoners, and you're working through that,” the official said. “We were working through that last night.”
Under the deal, Hamas will release 33 hostages in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Hamas holds nearly 100 Israeli hostages, though Israel’s military believes at least a third are dead.
“These are women Israeli soldiers who have been living in horrific conditions for a year and a half, and we hope to see them coming out and being returned to their families,” the official said. “On Sunday, they will be exchanged for a number of Palestinian Prisoners."
The official also said that negotiating teams on both sides have gone through the list of prisoners and hostages and “there is now no question” on which hostages will be released.
“This process for the Israelis to choose the prisoners and agree with Hamas is difficult and takes time, and you have lists of hundreds of prisoners, and you're working through that,” the official said. “We were working through that last night.”
Under the deal, Hamas will release 33 hostages in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Hamas holds nearly 100 Israeli hostages, though Israel’s military believes at least a third are dead.
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White House: 2 Americans Expected to Be Freed in First Phase
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The two Americans that are expected be freed in the first phase of the cease-fire are Keith Siegel and Sagui Dekel-Chen, a Biden administration official told reporters on Wednesday.
In total, 33 hostages being held in Gaza will be released by Hamas for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners being held by Israel during the six-week deal. If negotiations continue after this time, the cease-fire will remain in place.
In total, 33 hostages being held in Gaza will be released by Hamas for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners being held by Israel during the six-week deal. If negotiations continue after this time, the cease-fire will remain in place.
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Meeting in Cairo Friday to Discuss Implementation of Cease-Fire: White House
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There will be a meeting in the Egyptian capital of Cairo on Friday to discuss how the cease-fire between Israel and Hamas will be implemented, a BIden administration official told reporters in a press call.
This includes provisions related to the cease-fire, humanitarian aid to Gaza, and the release of hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza as well as Palestinian prisoners.
This includes provisions related to the cease-fire, humanitarian aid to Gaza, and the release of hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza as well as Palestinian prisoners.
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Obama: Cease-Fire Is ‘Good News’
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Former President Barack Obama called the cease-fire between Israel and Hamas “good news.”
The agreement includes a swap of hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza for Palestinian prisoners. It consists of three phases with the ultimate aim being a permanent end of the war, which began when Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
“The ceasefire and hostage release deal announced between Israel and Hamas is good news – for the families of the hostages taken on October 7th, for the Palestinian civilians who have suffered for more than a year, and for everyone who has prayed for an end to this awful chapter,” Obama posted on social media platform X.
He noted that the agreement cannot “ease the pain of those who have lost loved ones, or resolve the longstanding conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.”
The agreement includes a swap of hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza for Palestinian prisoners. It consists of three phases with the ultimate aim being a permanent end of the war, which began when Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
“The ceasefire and hostage release deal announced between Israel and Hamas is good news – for the families of the hostages taken on October 7th, for the Palestinian civilians who have suffered for more than a year, and for everyone who has prayed for an end to this awful chapter,” Obama posted on social media platform X.
He noted that the agreement cannot “ease the pain of those who have lost loved ones, or resolve the longstanding conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.”
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What We Know About the Cease-Fire Deal
A deal has been struck between Israel and Hamas to temporarily stop the fighting and exchange hostages being held by both Hamas and Israel.
Here is what we know so far about the agreement:
Here is what we know so far about the agreement:
- A six-week pause in fighting will begin on Sunday.
- Hamas will release 33 hostages, while Israel will release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners from Israel.
- Women, elderly, and wounded hostages will be released first, including American hostages.
- The six-week cease-fire is to allow for negotiations for a permanent end to the conflict. If these negotiations continue beyond six weeks, the cease-fire will remain in place.
- The Israeli military will withdraw from some positions in Gaza while remaining in others, including the Philadelphi corridor on the Egypt–Gaza border.
Biden: ‘This Is One of the Toughest Negotiations I’ve Ever Experienced’
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While announcing the Israel–Hamas cease-fire deal on Wednesday, President Joe Biden said the negotiations have proven the most difficult of his political career.
“I worked in foreign policy for decades,” he said. “This is one of the toughest negotiations I've ever experienced. And we reached this point because of the pressure that Israel built on Hamas backed by the United States.”
Biden referenced his administration’s efforts to build a multi-national coalition to stop Iran’s attacks on Israel and destroy Iranian air defenses without further escalating the war.
He also mentioned how the United States organized a 20-nation coalition to stand up to Houthis and Hezbollah terrorists, and how leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah were eliminated.
“You know, there was no other way for this war to end than with a hostage deal,” he said. “And I'm deeply satisfied this day has come, finally come, for the sake of the people of Israel and the families waiting in agony, and for the sake of the innocent people in Gaza who suffered unimaginable devastation because of the war.”
“I worked in foreign policy for decades,” he said. “This is one of the toughest negotiations I've ever experienced. And we reached this point because of the pressure that Israel built on Hamas backed by the United States.”
Biden referenced his administration’s efforts to build a multi-national coalition to stop Iran’s attacks on Israel and destroy Iranian air defenses without further escalating the war.
He also mentioned how the United States organized a 20-nation coalition to stand up to Houthis and Hezbollah terrorists, and how leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah were eliminated.
“You know, there was no other way for this war to end than with a hostage deal,” he said. “And I'm deeply satisfied this day has come, finally come, for the sake of the people of Israel and the families waiting in agony, and for the sake of the innocent people in Gaza who suffered unimaginable devastation because of the war.”
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Americans Will Be Released in Phase 1 of Cease-Fire Deal: Biden
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President Joe Biden said that the details of the cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas will be revealed soon, and the first phase will include the release of American hostages.
The first phase will take effect on Sunday, and hostages being held by Hamas will be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, the president said.
The six-week cease-fire will allow time for negotiations to bring about a permanent end to the war, Biden said. He added if negotiations take longer than six weeks the ceasefire would continue as long as talks continue.
The Associated Press contributed.
The first phase will take effect on Sunday, and hostages being held by Hamas will be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, the president said.
The six-week cease-fire will allow time for negotiations to bring about a permanent end to the war, Biden said. He added if negotiations take longer than six weeks the ceasefire would continue as long as talks continue.
The Associated Press contributed.
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Biden, Trump ‘One Team’ on Hostage Deal, Says President
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President Joe Biden briefed the nation on the cease-fire deal Wednesday afternoon, saying that his people and the incoming Trump administration have been “speaking as one team” in recent days on making the deal a reality.
“I told my team to coordinate closely with the incoming team to make sure we're all speaking with the same voice because that's what American presidents do,” Biden said, acknowledging that it will ultimately be the incoming Trump administration that will be responsible for implementing the deal.
President-elect Donald Trump is set to be inaugurated on Jan. 20, and Biden said he is confident that the incoming administration will uphold the terms of the deal.
Earlier on Wednesday, Trump called the deal an "EPIC ceasefire agreement."
“I am thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home to be reunited with their families and loved ones.”
“I told my team to coordinate closely with the incoming team to make sure we're all speaking with the same voice because that's what American presidents do,” Biden said, acknowledging that it will ultimately be the incoming Trump administration that will be responsible for implementing the deal.
President-elect Donald Trump is set to be inaugurated on Jan. 20, and Biden said he is confident that the incoming administration will uphold the terms of the deal.
Earlier on Wednesday, Trump called the deal an "EPIC ceasefire agreement."
“I am thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home to be reunited with their families and loved ones.”
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Israel: Not Withdrawing From Corridor Along Gaza–Egypt Border
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A spokesperson for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will not be withdrawing from a crucial corridor along the border between Gaza and Egypt.
"The reports of a 'withdrawal from the Philadelphi axis' are a complete lie. Prime Minister Netanyahu did not give up a millimeter of Israeli control over the Philadelphi axis," posted Omri Dostri on social media platform X on Wednesday.
"The reports of a 'withdrawal from the Philadelphi axis' are a complete lie. Prime Minister Netanyahu did not give up a millimeter of Israeli control over the Philadelphi axis," posted Omri Dostri on social media platform X on Wednesday.
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Biden Confirms Hostage Deal Reached
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President Joe Biden released a statement on Wednesday confirming that a hostage and cease-fire deal has been reached between Israel and Hamas.
“I laid out the precise contours of this plan on May 31, 2024, after which it was endorsed unanimously by the UN Security Council,” he said. “It is the result not only of the extreme pressure that Hamas has been under and the changed regional equation after a ceasefire in Lebanon and weakening of Iran—but also of dogged and painstaking American diplomacy.
“My diplomacy never ceased in their efforts to get this done.”
The president also acknowledged Egypt and Qatar for coordinating the diplomacy.
Under this new deal, he said, the United States is determined to bring all hostages home. He honored the memory of those who lost their lives in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack and mentioned three American families who have loved ones still being held hostage overseas and four others waiting for the remains of their family members to be returned.
But he also said it was “long past time” for fighting to end and peace and security to begin.
Biden is set to speak shortly after the release of this statement.
“I laid out the precise contours of this plan on May 31, 2024, after which it was endorsed unanimously by the UN Security Council,” he said. “It is the result not only of the extreme pressure that Hamas has been under and the changed regional equation after a ceasefire in Lebanon and weakening of Iran—but also of dogged and painstaking American diplomacy.
“My diplomacy never ceased in their efforts to get this done.”
The president also acknowledged Egypt and Qatar for coordinating the diplomacy.
Under this new deal, he said, the United States is determined to bring all hostages home. He honored the memory of those who lost their lives in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack and mentioned three American families who have loved ones still being held hostage overseas and four others waiting for the remains of their family members to be returned.
But he also said it was “long past time” for fighting to end and peace and security to begin.
Biden is set to speak shortly after the release of this statement.
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Qatar: Cease-Fire Deal to Take Effect Sunday
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The Israel–Hamas hostage and cease-fire deal will take effect on Sunday, announced Qatar’s foreign minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim bin Jabr Al Thani, who also serves as the country’s prime minister.
Nonetheless, “with the approval of both negotiating sides, work continues tonight to complete the executive aspects,” he said.
Qatar has been acting as an intermediary between Israel and Hamas in the negotiations.
Nonetheless, “with the approval of both negotiating sides, work continues tonight to complete the executive aspects,” he said.
Qatar has been acting as an intermediary between Israel and Hamas in the negotiations.
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US Lawmakers React to Cease-Fire Deal in Middle East
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As the news of a possible Israel–Hamas cease-fire deal spread, U.S. lawmakers on both sides of the aisle celebrated the news, although some expressed caution.
Republicans were quick to credit the return of President-elect Donald Trump to the White House.
Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) shared Trump’s initial announcement of the deal on social media platform X, calling it “The Trump Effect.” Waltz is Trump's incoming national security adviser.
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), wrote on X: “President Trump secures a deal to free hostages in the Middle East.”
Others were not so optimistic.
Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), gave credit to President Joe Biden, but balked at the idea that it is a good deal.
“Why is lame duck Joe Biden trying to cram down a bad deal on Israel on his way out the door,” Cotton asked on X. “The only “deal” should be unconditional surrender by Hamas—which is already nearly destroyed—and return of ALL hostages. Instead, we hear reports that Biden is demanding that Israel withdraw from key terrain in Gaza, release dozens of hardened terrorists for every one hostage, and get back only SOME hostages?”
“Here’s the ‘deal’ to offer Hamas and its patron, Iran,” he added. “You have five days to release ALL the hostages or we ‘unleash hell’.”
Meanwhile, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) called the cease-fire “welcome news” and said he and his colleagues will not rest until the rest of the hostages come home.
“A ceasefire is very good news for Israel, for America, for the Palestinian people, and particularly for the hostage families who have waited so long in agony,” he wrote on X. “A ceasefire will reduce violence in Gaza and harm to innocent civilians. It couldn’t have happened without steadfast diplomacy and until the potency of Hamas was radically reduced.”
Republicans were quick to credit the return of President-elect Donald Trump to the White House.
Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) shared Trump’s initial announcement of the deal on social media platform X, calling it “The Trump Effect.” Waltz is Trump's incoming national security adviser.
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), wrote on X: “President Trump secures a deal to free hostages in the Middle East.”
Others were not so optimistic.
Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), gave credit to President Joe Biden, but balked at the idea that it is a good deal.
“Why is lame duck Joe Biden trying to cram down a bad deal on Israel on his way out the door,” Cotton asked on X. “The only “deal” should be unconditional surrender by Hamas—which is already nearly destroyed—and return of ALL hostages. Instead, we hear reports that Biden is demanding that Israel withdraw from key terrain in Gaza, release dozens of hardened terrorists for every one hostage, and get back only SOME hostages?”
“Here’s the ‘deal’ to offer Hamas and its patron, Iran,” he added. “You have five days to release ALL the hostages or we ‘unleash hell’.”
Meanwhile, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) called the cease-fire “welcome news” and said he and his colleagues will not rest until the rest of the hostages come home.
“A ceasefire is very good news for Israel, for America, for the Palestinian people, and particularly for the hostage families who have waited so long in agony,” he wrote on X. “A ceasefire will reduce violence in Gaza and harm to innocent civilians. It couldn’t have happened without steadfast diplomacy and until the potency of Hamas was radically reduced.”
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Families of Israeli Hostages React
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The families of hostages being held by Hamas expressed caution and hope amid the reported Israel–Hamas cease-fire and hostage deal.
“The coming days and weeks will be just as painful for our families as the entirety of our loved ones’ horrific ordeals,” said some of the families in a statement.
“That is why we ask all parties to stay committed to this agreement, every phase until it is fully implemented and everyone has been returned.”
Over the next six weeks, 33 of the 98 remaining Israeli hostages will be released, according to preliminary reports of the deal.
“The coming days and weeks will be just as painful for our families as the entirety of our loved ones’ horrific ordeals,” said some of the families in a statement.
“That is why we ask all parties to stay committed to this agreement, every phase until it is fully implemented and everyone has been returned.”
Over the next six weeks, 33 of the 98 remaining Israeli hostages will be released, according to preliminary reports of the deal.
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Deal Would Pause War, Result in Some Hostages Released: AP
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The reported cease-fire and hostage deal would consist of some hostages being released in exchange for a pause in the war between Israel and Hamas, according to The Associated Press, which cited three unnamed U.S. officials.
The deal will take effect in the coming days, the officials told the AP.
President Joe Biden is scheduled to address the reported deal Wednesday afternoon.
The deal will take effect in the coming days, the officials told the AP.
President Joe Biden is scheduled to address the reported deal Wednesday afternoon.
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Schumer: Reported Hostage Deal ‘Welcome News’
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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has called the reported hostage and cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas “welcome news.”
“A cease-fire is very good news for Israel, for America, for the Palestinian people, and particularly for the hostage families who have waited so long in agony,” he said on the Senate floor on Wednesday.
“A cease-fire will reduce violence in Gaza and harm to innocent civilians,” he continued. “It couldn't have happened without steadfast diplomacy and until the potency of Hamas was radically reduced.
“We will not rest until every hostage comes home.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the deal is still being ironed out, but hopes it will be finalized Wednesday night.
“A cease-fire is very good news for Israel, for America, for the Palestinian people, and particularly for the hostage families who have waited so long in agony,” he said on the Senate floor on Wednesday.
“A cease-fire will reduce violence in Gaza and harm to innocent civilians,” he continued. “It couldn't have happened without steadfast diplomacy and until the potency of Hamas was radically reduced.
“We will not rest until every hostage comes home.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the deal is still being ironed out, but hopes it will be finalized Wednesday night.
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Israel Says Deal Not Finalized Yet
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Trump Says Cease-fire Deal Reached
The Israel–Hamas hostage and cease-fire agreement is not a done deal, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.
Hamas backed down on a last-minute demand that the Israeli military “change the deployment of forces on the Philadelphi corridor,” which is on the Egypt–Gaza border, according to a statement from the prime minister's office, citing “Netanyahu's firm stance.”
“However, there are still several unfinished items in the outline, and we hope that the details will be finalized tonight," said the office.
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