The U.S. envoy said the agreement for Hamas to release Israeli personnel is "close to being reached."

Jin10 reported on July 18 that on July 17 local time, U.S. President’s Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Adam Boller stated that the protocol regarding the release of Israeli personnel by Hamas is “closer to being reached than ever before.” Boller pointed out that he is optimistic about reaching an agreement, but also described Hamas as “very stubborn” in the negotiations, “They still believe they hold the cards.”