Tel Aviv, Israel (BN24) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested Tuesday that ongoing Gaza ceasefire negotiations are now centered on a single, comprehensive agreement to secure the release of all remaining hostages, rather than a phased approach. The shift comes amid new mediation efforts by Egypt and Qatar, which, according to Arab officials, could link the release of every captive to a permanent ceasefire and a full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza.
Indirect talks between Israel and Hamas stalled last month, but Cairo’s state-run Qahera news channel reported the arrival of a Hamas delegation for renewed discussions — a sign diplomacy remains alive despite 22 months of war. Hamas continues to hold 50 hostages from the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251 others. Israel believes around 20 captives remain alive.
In an interview with Israel’s i24 News, Netanyahu was asked whether partial deals were still on the table. “I think it’s behind us,” he said. “I want all of them — the release of all the hostages, both alive and dead. That’s the stage we’re at.” He stressed that Israel’s demands remain unchanged: the return of all hostages and the surrender of Hamas, after which Israel would still maintain security control over Gaza.
Hamas has reiterated that it will only release the remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, an enduring ceasefire, and Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza. The group rejects laying down arms, as Israel has demanded.
The United Nations on Tuesday issued a stark warning that starvation and malnutrition in Gaza have reached their worst levels since the war began. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, five people died in the past 24 hours due to malnutrition and starvation, bringing the wartime toll to 222 — including 121 adults and 101 children. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said aid deliveries remain far below what’s needed, with Israeli restrictions continuing to delay food and essential supplies.
Israel’s military, meanwhile, said it struck militants in Gaza disguised as aid workers using a vehicle bearing the World Central Kitchen logo. The army said the men were armed and not affiliated with the charity. World Central Kitchen confirmed no link and condemned the impersonation, saying it endangers civilians and aid workers.
The war, which has killed more than 61,400 Palestinians according to Gaza health officials, has displaced most of the territory’s population and devastated infrastructure. Israel disputes the casualty figures but has not provided its own.
