Israel recalls negotiators from Doha after Hamas increases demands for prisoner exchanges, creating a setback in ceasefire talks aimed at releasing hostages and delivering aid to Gaza

Sources added that international pressure is expected to help restart the talks this week, and emphasized that Hamas has expressed willingness to show flexibility on its previous demands.

The demands focus primarily on altering the deployment of IDF forces in the Gaza Strip and modifying the mechanisms for delivering humanitarian aid. According to the report, Hamas is demanding that IDF forces withdraw from population centers in Gaza and redeploy along the eastern and northern borders, no closer than 800 meters from the border.

Terror group submits softened response after being told to come back with more reasonable reply; Witkoff slated to meet Dermer, Qatari PM in Italy on Thursday to advance talks

MADURO’S PRICE FOR PRISONERS: Chevron will be allowed to resume drilling operations in Venezuela, The Wall Street Journal’s Alex Leary, Vera Bergengreun and Keyal Vyas report, days after Caracas released 10 Americans and a spate of political prisoners as part of a multicountry prisoner swap with the United States.

For the first time, Hamas is demanding the release of Nukhba terrorists involved in the October 7 massacre as part of a hostage deal. It also submitted a "withdrawal map" for IDF forces.

US President Donald Trump has voiced confidence that a ceasefire deal in Gaza could be agreed this week after Hamas announced that it had “submitted a positive response” to a proposal for a 60-day truce with Israel.

Ceasefire talks stall, border clashes erupt in Asia, and Ukraine holds the line—catch up with SOFREP’s Evening Brief for July 25, 2025.