Gaza: Adam Boehler, President Trump’s special envoy for hostage affairs said that Israel’s attacks on Gaza would end right away if Hamas released all the captives it still holds.
On April 16, 2025, in Washington, D.C.. He spoke on the White House lawn and made it clear that “nothing goes forward until all hostages are released.”
Boehler said the choice is up to Hamas. He explained that as soon as every hostage is free, the fighting will stop. He did not give details about what would happen afterward, only mentioning that President Trump has talked about moving some Palestinians out of Gaza.
So far, Gaza’s Health Ministry says more than 51,000 people have died in this war, and 1,652 Palestinians were killed after a six‑week ceasefire broke down in March. Under that earlier deal, Hamas let 33 captives go in return for more aid and the release of some Palestinian prisoners. Plans for later steps—freeing the rest of the hostages, returning the bodies of those who died, and rebuilding Gaza—fell apart, and fighting resumed. The United Nations now says at least half a million Palestinians have been forced to leave their homes.
Hamas has refused to free more people until Israel guarantees a full troop withdrawal from Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel’s defence minister says the army has set up a “security zone” between Rafah and Khan Younis and plans to expand operations. Today, around 24 live captives and 35 bodies are still believed to be in Gaza, making hostage release the key to stopping the bloodshed.
