Witkoff’s efforts at pushing for a deal were the key factor that brought these hostages home from the hell of captivity they suffered for over 450 days.
Hamas reportedly told mediators it was ready to engage in the second phase, a source told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.
Netanyahu heads to Washington for key meetings with Trump and top US officials on Iran, hostages, and Saudi ties.
"Thank you for saving the hostages," someone called to him from the crowd, while a chant went up in English to "bring them home."
The timing of announcing the identities of the three hostages slated to be released coinciding with Netanyahu hosting Witkoff indicates they discussed details of the upcoming hostage exchange deal.
Witkoff, US President Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, is scheduled to arrive in Israel on Wednesday.
Trump envoy Witkoff warns of Gaza deal's fragility at Manhattan synagogue, drawing ovations alongside Herzog ahead of Israel visit.
The US doubles down on Middle East strategy: Trump designates Houthis as terrorists while increasing communication with Saudi Arabia.
Witkoff told Fox that implementation of the deal, which took effect on Sunday, would be more difficult than its execution.
The Harvard-Harris poll also concluded that support for Israel was much higher than support for Hamas, with 79% of voters supporting the Jewish state.
JPOST Digital Library
