This is an entry from: Live: UK halts trade deal talks with Israel, summons ambassador over Gaza
Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks remain deadlocked
16 May 2025 14:47 BST
Ceasefire and hostage deal negotiations between Israel and Hamas remain deadlocked, an Israeli source told the Israeli media outlet Haaretz.
The source added that Israel is expanding operations in Gaza, including "preparatory strikes”, and that Hamas has not compromised its position on a US proposal.
The source also said that the US has stepped back from the negotiations, and envoy Steve Witkoff is no longer actively involved.
Another Israeli source told Haaretz there is no direct or active communication channel between Hamas and the US. Instead, Hamas initiated the release of American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander through Bishara Bahbah, national chairman for Arab Americans for Trump, who then reached out to Witkoff.