This is especially true if one side gets nothing in return. However, more than a week and a half later, Hamas is receiving a ceasefire and Israel has received no hostages in return. During the first phase of the ceasefire deal 33 hostages were released in 42 days.

Trump's special envoy said gaining the release of Edan Alexander, believed to be the last living American hostage held by Hamas, was a "top priority."

The U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs said Sunday that he was "cautiously optimistic" after his meeting with Hamas that hostages still being held in Gaza would be released.