Netanyahu indicates Gaza ceasefire talks shift to comprehensive hostage release

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that Gaza ceasefire negotiations are now focusing on a comprehensive agreement to release all remaining hostages simultaneously, moving away from previous phased approaches. Mediators Egypt and Qatar are developing a framework that would exchange all hostages for a lasting ceasefire and complete Israeli military withdrawal.

Despite previous failed negotiations, Hamas delegates have arrived in Cairo for renewed talks after 22 months of devastating conflict. Netanyahu emphasized in a recent interview that earlier partial ceasefire attempts were misleading and reiterated his commitment to securing the return of all hostages, both alive and deceased.

He maintains that the war will only conclude when all hostages are returned and Hamas surrenders, while Israel retains long-term security control. Hamas continues to demand the release of Palestinian prisoners, a permanent ceasefire, and total Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, refusing to disarm as Israel requires. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached critical levels, with the UN reporting extreme starvation and malnutrition.