The meetings leapfrogged the seemingly moribund cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas. They also broke with the longstanding U.S. approach toward Hamas, which sought to isolate the Palestinian armed group through a “no-contact” policy.

More than 50 former hostages from Gaza have urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to agree to a complete ceasefire to secure the release of the remaining captives. "We who have experienced the inferno know that a return to war is life-threatening for those still left behind" - was stated in an open letter published on Instagram.