Updated

Israeli censors approved publication of a report revealing that Israel held direct hostage negotiations with Hamas, led by then-Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, beginning after October 7 and continuing until 2025, with Prime Minister Netanyahu's approval. The disclosure follows separate reporting on the sensitive back-channel. Israeli television has since revealed further details, crediting this secret, direct channel between Israel and Hamas for enabling the January 2025 hostage deal. The channel reportedly began after Hamas executed six hostages in August 2024, prompting Netanyahu to authorize direct Shin Bet contact with the group despite Israel's longstanding policy against negotiating directly with Hamas.