Channel 12 News reported on Sunday afternoon that the US-Hamas talks to extend the first phase of the ceasefire/hostage release deal have failed.

An Israeli sources said that it appears that “Trump’s envoy’s contacts with Hamas to release the American hostages have failed.”

Earlier on Sunday, Kan News reported that Israeli sources confirmed that some progress has been made in US-led talks with Hamas on extending the first phase of the ceasefire/hostage release d

The report said that the progress is the result of direct talks between President Trump’s hostage envoy Adam Boehler and senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya, who was involved in planning the October 7 massacre on Israel.

The Saudi Al-Hadat media outlet reported on Motzei Shabbos that Hamas has agreed in principle to a US proposal of extending the first phase of the ceasefire for two months in exchange for the release of ten live hostages. Later on Motzei Shabbos, Kan News reported that an Israeli source confirmed the Al-Hadat report.

The source noted that the negotiations between the US and the Hamas terror group are being held through Egyptian and Qatari mediators – without any involvement on Israel’s part.

“The negotiations are being carried out above our heads,” the Israeli source emphasized.

An Israeli delegation is expected to arrive in Doha, Qatar on Monday to participate in the talks regarding the release of additional live hostages. The parameters of the delegation’s authority to make decisions regarding the deal will be determined during the Cabinet meeting on Sunday.

US special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff is expected to travel to the region on Tuesday to further efforts to extend the deal.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s office stated on Motzei Shabbos: “Israel has accepted the invitation of the mediators backed by the US and will send a delegation to Doha on Monday in an effort to advance the negotiations.”

Last week, President Trump acknowledged the direct talks, telling reporters in the Oval Office that “we are having discussions with Hamas” about both American and Israeli hostages. He denied that the US had offered to pay for the releases. “We’re not giving cash,” he said.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)