Welcome to The Times of Israel's newest podcast series, Friday Focus. Each Friday, join diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman and host deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe.

The official end of phase one of the current hostage release-ceasefire deal is set for March 1. We currently don't know if phase two will be implemented or whether, potentially, a lengthened phase one may be negotiated.

Since the start of the war in Gaza following Hamas's October 7, 2023, murderous onslaught on southern Israel, a range of efforts have been made to free the over 250 hostages in terrorists' hands.

As we hear in today's in-depth conversation, the most effective way to get out as many hostages as possible has been through a pair of negotiated hostage release-ceasefire deals.

Among the questions asked and answered are: Who are the major players behind these negotiations? What have been the obstacles? Is paying ransom a Jewish value?

Finally, we hear which of Israel's allies does not traditionally negotiate with terrorists.

This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. 

IMAGE: A former Palestinian prisoner, released as part of the seventh hostage-prisoner exchange, is carried on a person's shoulders upon arrival in Ramallah on February 27, 2025. (Zain Jaafar/AFP)

Welcome to The Times of Israel's newest podcast series, <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/topic/friday-focus/">Friday Focus</a>. Each Friday, join diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman and host deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe.
The official end of phase one of the current hostage release-ceasefire deal is set for March 1. We currently don't know if phase two will be implemented or whether, potentially, a lengthened phase one may be negotiated.
Since the start of the war in Gaza following Hamas's October 7, 2023, murderous onslaught on southern Israel, a range of efforts have been made to free the over 250 hostages in terrorists' hands.
As we hear in today's in-depth conversation, the most effective way to get out as many hostages as possible has been through a pair of negotiated hostage release-ceasefire deals.
Among the questions asked and answered are: Who are the major players behind these negotiations? What have been the obstacles? Is paying ransom a Jewish value?
Finally, we hear which of Israel's allies does not traditionally negotiate with terrorists.
This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.&nbsp;
IMAGE: A former Palestinian prisoner, released as part of the seventh hostage-prisoner exchange, is carried on a person's shoulders upon arrival in Ramallah on February 27, 2025. (Zain Jaafar/AFP)

Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman explores what's behind the news that spins the globe

Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman explores what's behind the news that spins the globe

Lazar Focus

Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman explores what's behind the news that spins the globe.

Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman explores what's behind the news that spins the globe.