The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), a Gaza-based militant group backed by Iran, has offered to release two Israeli hostages in its custody.
The PIJ released disturbing propaganda videos that featured the two hostages – 13-year-old Yagil Yaakov and 77-year-old Hannah Katzir. The videos came amid talks about the possible release of more hostages by Hamas, which attacked Israel on Oct. 7. Both Yaakov and Katzir were abducted from the Nir Oz kibbutz (community) during the attack.
The two placed blame squarely on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which echoed similarities to an earlier video released by Hamas – formally the Islamic Resistance Movement. However, this PIJ release went further, accusing Netanyahu not only of the specific attack but also of broader societal issues in Israel and globally.
The masked spokesperson for Islamic Jihad ominously suggested the hostages' potential release for "humanitarian" reasons, linking their fate to the availability of crucial medicines in Gaza. The implication was that without intervention, the hostages might face dire health consequences. The spokesperson also hinted that any release would be contingent upon Israel declaring a unilateral ceasefire. (Related: Israeli forces face not only Hamas but other Palestinian factions.)
Israel dismissed the video as psychological terror, reiterating that any consideration of a long-term pause or ceasefire would only follow the safe release of the hostages. The nation remains resolute in its commitment to dismantling not only PIJ but also other terror groups, including Hamas, operating in Gaza.
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Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces, stressed the military's commitment to bringing the hostages home. He also cautioned against relying on media reports and rumors.
Talks to free more hostages underway in Qatar
In Qatar, Mossad chief David Barnea and U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director William Burns held discussions with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani regarding efforts to secure the release of hostages in Gaza. According to a U.S. official, Barnea and Burns met with Qatari officials a day after they met with Hamas political leaders in Doha.
Negotiations on a potential deal were confirmed by an official, who stated that progress had been made in recent days. The PIJ claimed readiness to release the hostages for humanitarian reasons once certain conditions are met.
Talks in Qatar included discussions on the possibility of a hostage release in exchange for a Gaza ceasefire and the potential allowance of fuel, a request Israel has thus far refused. Burns had visited Israel earlier in the week, also making stops in the UAE and Egypt during his regional tour.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected reports of a ceasefire without the release of hostages, leaving room for brief humanitarian pauses and potential deals for a specific number of hostages. Meanwhile, Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed skepticism about viable proposals from Hamas for the hostages' release.
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, accompanied by the prime minister, traveled to Abu Dhabi for a meeting with Emirati President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Talks facilitated by Qatar reportedly involved the release of a dozen hostages, including six Americans, in exchange for a three-day Gaza ceasefire, as confirmed by a source close to Hamas. Former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen's reported visit to Qatar prompted Mossad to clarify that official channels manage hostage releases. Israel estimates that Hamas holds around 180 hostages, PIJ holds approximately 40, and unaffiliated mob families may hold an additional 20, complicating negotiations.
Qatar has previously successfully negotiated the release of four hostages and has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to secure the release of those held by Hamas.
The Gulf Emirate has played a significant role in providing financial support and humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip while maintaining open communication channels with Hamas, which has been ruling the strip since 2007. Qatar also hosts the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East.
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