Security · Full coverage
Israel Held Secret Talks With Hamas on Hostage Releases Before War
How 4 Israeli newsrooms covered this story — translated into English and compared side by side.
75% center
Center 3Right 1
By מאיר שלם
First reported by Mako · Aug 30, 2026
What happened
Israel conducted secret, direct negotiations with Hamas before the October 7th attack, involving senior Shin Bet officials and a Hamas leader, to secure the release of Israeli captives. The talks, which continued into 2023, reached an advanced stage where prisoner exchange lists were discussed.
- 01Israel held secret talks with Hamas before October 7th.
- 02Shin Bet officials negotiated with a senior Hamas figure.
- 03The talks aimed to release Israeli captives and return bodies.
- 04Discussions advanced to exchanging prisoner lists.
- 05Prime Minister Netanyahu was involved in shaping the framework.
Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.
Full coverage · 4 outlets
The same event, reported separately by each newsroom. Open a few to compare what each emphasizes — and what they leave out.
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