A person holds a sign with a picture of the Israeli-American hostage, Edan Alexander, who was kidnapped during the deadly October 7 attack, on the day Edan Alexander is expected to be released from captivity by Hamas in Gaza, in Tel Aviv, Israel May 12, 2025. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun

Piker says he was stopped by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents in Chicago as he was returning to the United States.

Israeli singer Yuval Raphael, who survived Hamas' 2023 attack on Israel, faced protests including an alleged throat-slitting gesture during the Eurovision's opening event in Basel, Switzerland, over the weekend.

A senior Palestinian official confirmed that two meetings have taken place. Israel has not commented.

Talks between Hamas and the U.S. administration regarding a ceasefire in Gaza and the entry of humanitarian aid to the besieged enclave were underway, a senior Palestinian official familiar with the discussions told Reuters on Sunday.