Qatar Proposes One-Time Hostage Release to End War
Published on 8.9.25
A new proposal is being discussed by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Qatar's prime minister in Spain to end the war, which would include the release of all hostages - dead and alive - in one go. The plan also involves Israel's withdrawal from Gaza. Families of hostages are urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to "shut the country down" amid fears over 50 remaining hostages, with 20 thought to be alive and struggling. The international community, including Germany, Britain, France, Canada, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, has strongly rejected Israel's decision for a large-scale military operation, calling it a "dangerous and unacceptable escalation" that will worsen the humanitarian situation in Gaza.