A senior Hamas official stated on April 15 or 16, 2025, that the group is willing to release all Israeli hostages in exchange for a “serious prisoner swap” and guarantees of an end to the war in Gaza. 
However, Hamas reported on April 15 or 16, 2025, that it had lost contact with the captors of an Israeli-American hostage after an Israeli strike. Israel has offered a 45-day ceasefire conditional on the release of hostages.
Ongoing Efforts and Challenges
Efforts toward a ceasefire and hostage release are ongoing but face significant challenges. 