The Israeli government has not received a concrete offer from the Palestinian Hamas movement to release the hostages. In a recent interview conducted for NBC News, President Isaac Herzog clarified that no valid proposals have been presented by Hamas on this critical issue. He stressed that optimistic tones circulating in some media and among third parties do not reflect official positions or negotiations underway at the government level. Herzog pointed out that statements attributed to unofficial sources should not be taken as evidence of progress in hostage negotiations (NBC News).
According to Herzog, Israeli officials are operating with careful coordination and a broad mandate. He noted that thousands of government representatives, military personnel, and staff across multiple ministries are engaged in efforts to bring the hostages home as swiftly and safely as possible. The president underscored the scale of the operation and the seriousness with which the state treats every dimension of the crisis, including diplomacy, security, and humanitarian considerations (NBC News).
Herzog also highlighted growing concerns from the United States regarding the conduct of the Israel Defense Forces in Gaza. He stated that there is no fundamental split between the two governments on the potential for a humanitarian pause to facilitate aid, relief, and exchange operations in the Palestinian territory. The administration in Washington has repeatedly signaled support for measures that would reduce civilian harm while maintaining security objectives, a stance Herzog described as grounded in shared goals rather than discord (NBC News).
Earlier in October, IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari provided an update noting that 240 hostages remained in Hamas captivity. Those numbers reflect the situation after the events of October 7, when Hamas militants breached Israeli territory and seized a number of individuals. The authorities have since continued to pursue release channels, security assurances, and ongoing contingency planning to protect Israeli citizens while working through international frameworks for negotiations and humanitarian arrangements (NBC News).
Former officials from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs have also commented on the hostage situation, emphasizing that any escape from captivity would require a coordinated, multilateral approach. Their assessments stress the importance of verified information, tactical patience, and continuous evaluation of every viable pathway to secure the safe return of abducted citizens. The emphasis remains on realistic expectations and careful diplomacy rather than sensational claims or premature conclusions (NBC News).