Amelie Botbol is a freelance journalist based in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel. She specializes in Defense, Tech and Current Affairs. Amelie holds a Bachelor in journalism from Reichman University in Herzliya and a Masters in Counterterrorism. She was published on JNS.org, ToI, The JC and i24News.

Israeli Hostages’ Families Step Up Protests Amid Reports of Possible Ceasefire

20 Dec 2023  |  tps.co.il  |  English  |  Hostage Crisis

Efforts to negotiate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas have intensified, with families of the 129 hostages held in Gaza escalating protests against the Netanyahu government. Demonstrations have increased following the accidental killing of three hostages by Israeli forces. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum announced a hunger strike, while Prime Minister Netanyahu reaffirmed his commitment to bringing the captives home. Rumors of a deal emerged as Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh arrived in Egypt for talks. Despite diplomatic efforts, including meetings involving Mossad and the CIA, families remain pessimistic about the hostages' conditions. The Israeli government maintains that military pressure on Hamas is essential for the hostages' release.

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Ceasefire Negotiations Hostage Crisis Protests

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Jonathan Broder writes about defense and foreign policy for Newsweek from Washington. He's been covering national security issues for more than two decades, including 12 years as a writer and senior editor at Congressional Quarterly. Before moving to Washington, Broder spent 20 years as an award-...

Back Door Diplomats: CIA Chiefs on Secret Missions

04 Feb 2024  |  www.spytalk.co  |  English  |  Hostage Negotiations

CIA Director William Burns has been involved in secret negotiations in Paris with Israeli, Egyptian, and Qatari officials to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. This is part of a broader diplomatic effort by the Biden administration to de-escalate the military campaign against Hamas and move towards a two-state solution for the Israel-Palestine conflict. The article discusses the historical context of CIA directors participating in diplomatic missions, highlighting various instances where spy chiefs have played key roles in addressing national security challenges. It also touches on the unique qualifications and advantages that CIA directors bring to such negotiations.

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Hostage Negotiations Diplomacy International Relations

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Piotr Drabik - journalist with more than 10 years’ experience in media - in newspaper (“Dziennik Polski”), news television (TVN24), and radio (Radio ZET). Now he's working in RadioZET.pl, where I’m a part of the news team, and I'm a managing editor of a weekend online magazine. Moreover, from ...

Secret meeting of CIA, Mossad chiefs and Qatari Prime Minister in Warsaw. Reason revealed

07 Oct 2023  |  wiadomosci.radiozet.pl  |  Polish  |  Hostage Negotiations

Israeli officials emphasize the critical role of CIA Director William Burns in ongoing negotiations to secure a new agreement involving Israel, Hamas, and Qatar. A secret meeting in Warsaw, involving the CIA, Mossad, and the Qatari Prime Minister, aims to resume indirect talks mediated by Qatar. Previous negotiations led to the release of 100 hostages taken during an attack by Palestinian terrorists from Gaza. Hamas officials have stated that new negotiations will only proceed if Israel halts its military operations in Gaza.

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Hostage Negotiations International Relations Middle East Conflict

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Susannah George is a journalist covering the refugee and migrant crisis from Iraq to Turkey to Greece.

Israeli strikes in Gaza target Hamas commander, leaving scores dead

31 Oct 2023  |  Washington Post  |  English  |  Hostage situation

The article reports on a series of Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, particularly targeting a senior Hamas commander, which resulted in numerous casualties and damage in a crowded refugee camp. The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed the death of the Hamas commander, Ibrahim Biari. The attack has raised concerns about the increased risk to civilians and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Despite limited aid deliveries, the situation remains dire, with hospitals running out of supplies and fuel. The United States and the United Nations have expressed alarm and called for humanitarian pauses. Meanwhile, Israel continues its military operations, and there are calls for a prisoner swap to release hostages held by Hamas. Additionally, missile defense systems have been activated in response to threats from Yemen, and Israeli aircraft have struck targets in Lebanon.

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Border negotiations Hostage situation Israeli-Palestinian conflict Gaza Strip airstrikes Humanitarian crisis International humanitarian law Civilian casualties Military operations Prisoner swap Missile defense Aid convoys

JJ Green is a journalist based in Washington, D.C. United States of America. I am an international security reporter. My area of specialty includes war correspondence, intelligence, espionage, cyber military and foreign policy.

US negotiator ‘cautiously optimistic’ about prisoner deal with Russia

01 Jan 2024  |  wtop.com  |  English  |  Hostage Negotiations

The Biden administration's top hostage negotiator, Roger D. Carstens, is cautiously optimistic about securing the simultaneous release of Americans Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich, who are wrongfully detained in Russia. Carstens emphasizes that there is no one-for-one deal in place and that negotiations are focused on releasing both individuals together. Despite disinformation efforts by Russian prison officials, Carstens remains resolute in his mission. Whelan, feeling isolated and abandoned, expresses his desire to speak directly with President Biden and other key officials. Carstens' dedication to the case is highlighted, as he continues to work towards a successful resolution.

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Hostage Negotiations Prisoner Exchange US-Russia Relations

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Teguan Harris is a writer and journalist with pieces written for Empoword Journalism, No Extra Source, and The New Age Magazine. She covers topics such as sports, current affairs and social issues, entertainment, features, opinion, and lifestyle. She has a degree in English literature from Coventry ...

Three months on from the 7th October attacks, how have international administrations responded to the escalation of the Israel-Gaza conflict?

13 Jan 2024  |  Empoword Journalism  |  English  |  Ceasefire negotiations

The article discusses the international response to the Israel-Gaza conflict following the 7th October attacks by Hamas, which resulted in numerous casualties and hostages. The UN Security General, Antonio Guterres, has repeatedly called for a ceasefire and humanitarian access to Gaza. The UN Security Council passed resolutions demanding the release of hostages and the establishment of humanitarian corridors. The G7, including the US, Japan, Canada, the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and the EU, have supported humanitarian pauses and condemned violence. The UK has provided aid to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories but abstained from a UN resolution for an immediate ceasefire. The US has offered substantial military aid to Israel and voted against an immediate ceasefire at the UN. Other countries have shown varying responses, with some calling for a ceasefire and others cutting ties with Israel. South Africa has filed a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing it of genocidal acts. The article provides a comprehensive overview of the complex geopolitical situation and the varied stances of different international players.

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Hostage situation Ceasefire negotiations Israel-Gaza conflict Diplomatic responses Humanitarian aid Military actions

Mike Ives is a journalist based in Hanoi, Vietnam, and a regular contributor to The Economist and The New York Times.

In Carts and on Foot, Gazans Make the Long Trek Home

27 Jan 2025  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Hostage Negotiations

Thousands of Gazans began returning home after a cease-fire allowed displaced individuals to move north, following tense negotiations between Israel and Hamas over hostage releases. The truce, part of a broader cease-fire agreement, faced challenges as violence flared in Lebanon, where Israeli forces clashed with residents returning to border areas. The situation remains fragile, with both sides seeking to avoid full-scale conflict. The article highlights the complex dynamics involving hostages, military actions, and international diplomacy, with key figures like Arbel Yehud and political leaders playing significant roles in the unfolding events.

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Hostage Negotiations Cease-fire Israel-Palestine Conflict

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Maham Javaid is a journalist based in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Israel releases images from al-Shifa Hospital after raid

14 Nov 2023  |  Washington Post  |  English  |  Hostage Negotiations

Hamas has agreed in principle to release at least 50 women and children hostages in exchange for a temporary pause in fighting, increased humanitarian aid, and the release of women and children held in Israeli prisons. During a raid on al-Shifa Hospital, 700 patients, 400 health workers, and 3,000 displaced people were present. A fuel tanker entered Gaza for the first time since the war began, but its use is restricted to transporting aid. The Gaza Health Ministry reports over 11,100 Palestinian deaths since October 7, though current figures are unavailable due to communication blackouts. The U.S. National Security Council claims Hamas uses hospitals for military operations, but this is unverified.

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Hostage Negotiations Israel-Hamas Conflict Humanitarian Aid

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Meir Javedanfar is a journalist based in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.

Netanyahu Considers Extending Ceasefire if Hamas Releases More Hostages

26 Nov 2023  |  infobae  |  Spanish  |  Hostage Situation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering extending the ceasefire with Hamas if more hostages are released. Qatar's Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani indicated that Hamas does not control all Israeli hostages, with some possibly held by other terrorist groups. Netanyahu communicated his willingness to extend the truce to U.S. President Joe Biden. An 84-year-old woman, Elma Avraham, was among the hostages released by Hamas and is in critical health. Netanyahu visited Gaza for the first time since the conflict began, vowing to continue the offensive until Hamas is eliminated. Biden praised the release of hostages, including a four-year-old American girl named Abigail, and reiterated his commitment to the two-state solution. As part of the ceasefire agreement, 39 Palestinian prisoners will be released by Israel in exchange for hostages, with further exchanges expected.

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Ceasefire Negotiations Hostage Situation

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Jonathan Lis is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

Hamas Rejects Latest Proposal; Partial Israeli Delegation Remains in Qatar

26 Mar 2024  |  flipboard.com  |  English  |  Hostage Negotiations

Hamas rejected the latest proposal from the United States in the ongoing hostage negotiations, leading to a partial Israeli delegation remaining in Qatar. The situation underscores the complexities and ongoing tensions in the Middle East conflict, involving key stakeholders such as Hamas, the Israeli delegation, and the United States.

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Hostage Negotiations Middle East Conflict

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Maggie Miller is a journalist, and has a longer written out bio

Burns says cease-fire is needed to help starving children in Gaza

11 Mar 2024  |  www.politico.com  |  English  |  Hostage Negotiations

CIA director Bill Burns emphasized the necessity of a cease-fire and hostage deal in Gaza to address the severe humanitarian crisis, highlighting the plight of starving children. His remarks, made during a Senate hearing, underscore the challenges in delivering aid without a ceasefire. The Biden administration faces pressure to push Israel for more aid access, while Israel's prime minister denies the severity of the crisis. The hearing also covered national security threats, including terrorism, AI interference in elections, and border security. Intelligence officials warned of the generational impact of the Gaza conflict on terrorism and ongoing threats from Iran-backed groups.

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Hostage Negotiations Humanitarian Crisis Ceasefire

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Nagham Mohanna is a journalist.
I have been working in media and journalism for more than 15 years I worked with many international, regional and local outlets I covered four wars in Gaza besides number of important events, I travelled abroad to develop my skills in journalism and I have conducted ...

Red Cross calls for urgent international push on Gaza hostage negotiations

24 Oct 2023  |  The National  |  English  |  Hostage Negotiations

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has called for an urgent international effort to include all actors in negotiations for the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Following the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel, which resulted in over 200 hostages being taken, the ICRC has facilitated the release of four hostages so far. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demands the unconditional release of all hostages, while Hamas differentiates between civilian hostages and soldiers, indicating a willingness to release civilians under certain conditions. Qatar and Egypt are playing significant roles in the negotiations, with ongoing communication between Hamas officials and their fighters. The situation remains tense as Israel continues its bombardment of Gaza, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis.

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Hostage Negotiations Israel-Gaza Conflict Humanitarian Crisis

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I am an multimedia journalist based in Dakar, Senegal. I have 20 years of experience as a journalist, working in radio, television, newspaper and online platforms. My reportage coverage focuses on current affairs, culture and history across Africa.

From the archive: ‘Mama Boko Haram’: one woman’s extraordinary mission to rescue ‘her boys’ from terrorism – podcast

27 Sept 2023  |  the Guardian  |  English  |  Peace Negotiations

Aisha Wakil, known as 'Mama Boko Haram,' leverages her personal connections with Boko Haram fighters to mediate peace deals, negotiate hostage releases, and persuade militants to disarm. Despite her efforts, escalating violence is making her mission increasingly difficult.

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Hostage Situations Peace Negotiations Terrorism

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Dimi Reider is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

Hostage negotiator: This is the deal Israel should strike over Hamas captives

27 Oct 2023  |  The Telegraph  |  English  |  Hostage Negotiations

A Hamas leader has offered to release all foreign hostages in return for a ceasefire, aid, fuel, and the release of Palestinian women and teenagers. The Israeli government, through Mr. Baskin, believes there is still time to save the hostages before a ground invasion. Israel's chief military spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, warned against rumors of a deal, calling them psychological terrorism. Despite intense Israeli strikes on Gaza, the military remains committed to freeing the hostages. Mr. Baskin suggested that releasing female and young prisoners would not be a security risk for Israel. Additionally, Hamas political leaders met with Russia's Middle East envoy in Moscow to discuss potential hostage release deals.

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Hostage Negotiations War in Gaza

Dahlia Scheindlin is a journalist and a public opinion expert; she is also a political analyst and campaign advisor with twenty years of experience, specializing in liberal and progressive social causes. Dahlia has advised eight national campaigns in Israel and has worked in 15 other countries ...

Myth and Reality in Israel’s Hostage Negotiations

27 Feb 2024  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Hostage Negotiations

Israel's recent rescue of two hostages from Gaza by the Israeli military has evoked memories of the 1976 Entebbe operation, though the myth of invincibility from that era is flawed. The current hostage negotiations with Hamas are fraught with public contradictions and demoralization, as Israelis grapple with the opaque and halting progress. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's promises of achieving both hostage release and defeating Hamas are seen as fundamentally irreconcilable, contributing to the ongoing conflict and occupation.

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Hostage Negotiations Israel Hamas

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Laura Sepulveda is a journalist based in New York, United States of America. Bilingual (Spanish and English) multimedia reporter with experience as an anchor, in radio and Tv reporting as well as investigative journalism and public relations.
Disciplined professional, with leadership skills, ...

Negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Qatar become complicated

16 Nov 2023  |  www.vozdeamerica.com  |  Spanish  |  Hostage Negotiations

Expectations for a potential agreement between Israel and Hamas to facilitate the release of hostages have somewhat faded in recent hours. Voz de América correspondents Alejandro Ernesto and Laura Sepúlveda provide the report.

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Hostage Negotiations International Relations

Maxim Tucker reports for The Times on Ukraine. He has worked in some of the hottest spots in the conflict zone and various locations throughout the country. He has extensive contacts within the Ukrainian government, military and intelligence services, as well as among diplomats, political parties, ...

Qatar in talks with CIA and Mossad over Hamas hostages deal

02 Nov 2023  |  www.thetimes.com  |  English  |  Hostage Negotiations

Qatar is mediating a potential deal with the CIA and Mossad for the release of Hamas hostages in exchange for a ceasefire. The conflict in Gaza has led to significant humanitarian crises, with accusations of war crimes against both Hamas and Israel. The UN and WHO report dire conditions in Gaza, including a rapid spread of infectious diseases. The US is showing signs of impatience with Israel's far-right government, with calls for a humanitarian pause. Internal and international pressures are mounting on Israel, with significant political implications for US President Joe Biden.

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Hostage Negotiations Israel-Gaza Conflict Humanitarian Crisis

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Cassandra Vinograd is a freelance journalist and producer specializing in conflict, human rights and migration. She previously worked for NBC News, The Associated Press and The Wall Street Journal. Her reporting has taken her throughout Africa, Europe and the Middle East. 

She is HEFAT certified....

Israel Joins Cease-Fire Talks in Paris

23 Feb 2024  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Hostage Negotiations

An Israeli delegation arrived in Paris for talks with senior officials from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to advance a cease-fire deal with Hamas and the release of hostages held in Gaza. Key figures attending include Mossad chief David Barnea, C.I.A. director William J. Burns, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, and Egyptian intelligence head Abbas Kamel. The talks follow a meeting between President Biden’s Mideast envoy and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Hamas, represented by Ismail Haniyeh, has also been engaged in discussions with Egyptian officials in Cairo.

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Hostage Negotiations Cease-Fire Middle East Conflict

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Anchal Vohra is a Beirut-based TV and Print journalist. She is a freelance Correspondent for AJ English and a writer on the Middle east for Foreign Policy. She also contributes to the Times, the Atlantic, the Telegraph, the New Statesman, and Berlin Policy Journal. Ms Vohra has been Deutsche Welle ...

Qatar Is Ready to Call Netanyahu’s Hostage Bluff

25 Apr 2024  |  Foreign Policy  |  English  |  Hostage Negotiations

Qatar, leveraging its influence over Hamas, threatens to withdraw from mediating hostage negotiations with Israel unless Prime Minister Netanyahu stops what it perceives as a smear campaign. Qatari officials accuse Netanyahu of delaying hostage releases to prolong the war. The U.S. pressures Qatar to expel Hamas leaders, with some lawmakers threatening to revoke Qatar's major non-NATO ally status. The situation remains tense, with both Israel and Qatar holding firm on their positions, complicating the release of over 130 Israeli hostages in Gaza.

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Hostage Negotiations Middle East Politics Israel-Hamas Conflict

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I am a TV, radio and print journalist, specializing in covering the Middle East through the American lens. Available for live reports and other assignments and projects in New York City, Washington and points in between. Credentialed for the White House, State Department, Congress and the UN. I ...

Biden Admin Says it Can’t Coordinate on Hostages Until Trump Team Signs Documents

20 Nov 2024  |  www.jewishpress.com  |  English  |  Hostage Negotiations

The Biden administration is prepared to coordinate with President-elect Donald Trump's team on a hostage deal during the transition period, but the Trump team has not yet signed the necessary legal agreements. The U.S. State Department emphasizes the need for these agreements to share classified information. Analysts suggest Trump's delay may be due to concerns about revealing donor information. Israeli hostage families are hopeful for progress under the new administration. Trump and Biden recently discussed Middle East issues, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken congratulated Marco Rubio, Trump's nominee to replace him.

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Hostage Negotiations US Politics Presidential Transition

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Jacob Wirtschafter is a journalist based in Istanbul, Türkiye.

Israeli Strikes in Gaza May Hinder Egyptian-Qatari Efforts To Secure Release of Hostages

29 Oct 2023  |  The Media Line  |  English  |  Hostage Negotiations

The article discusses the diplomatic efforts by Qatar and Egypt to mediate between Israel and Hamas for the release of hostages and to find a long-term solution for the Palestinians in Gaza. Despite the reestablishment of ties between Qatar and Egypt, Israeli actions in Gaza are complicating the situation. The release of some hostages by Hamas has been achieved, but many remain. The article highlights the role of Egyptian and Qatari officials in the negotiations and the impact of global public opinion and regional demonstrations. It also touches on the warming relations between Hamas and Egypt, as well as the increased trade between Egypt and Qatar. The article suggests that a truce and agreement to end the conflict are unlikely unless Israel changes its approach towards Hamas.

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Hostage Negotiations Diplomatic Relations Gaza Conflict International Aid Political Solutions Inter-Arab Tensions Trade Relations

Correspondent and video journalist based in Istanbul. I have been working as a writer and broadcast journalist for over 15 years with some of the world’s leading media organisations, delivering creative, high quality audio, video and digital storytelling to diverse audiences across the globe. 

A ...

Israel-Gaza war: Hamas says over 20,000 killed since October 7th

20 Dec 2023  |  www.channel4.com  |  English  |  Hostage Negotiations

The leader of Hamas is in Egypt for potential hostage and prisoner exchange negotiations. The United Nations Security Council in New York has delayed a vote on humanitarian access to Gaza for the third time due to disagreements over the resolution's wording. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports that the death toll since October 7th has exceeded 20,000.

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Hostage Negotiations War in Gaza Humanitarian Crisis

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