Israeli officials: all hostages must be released in any ceasefire deal

This deal would mean that 10 living hostages would remain in Gaza.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Following the announcement that Hamas has accepted the most recent proposal for a hostage release and cease-fire deal, an Israeli official emphasized that the government will agree only to the release of all of the hostages at once.

The current deal would release 10 living hostages during a 60-day truce in fighting in exchange for 140 Palestinian prisoners, of whom 60 are serving at least 15 years or more for serious offenses.

This deal would mean that 10 living hostages would remain in Gaza.

Israeli sources reiterated earlier statements that the government demands the release of all 50 living and dead hostages.

During the time of the truce, the proposal demands that the IDF withdraw up to one kilometer in the northern and eastern areas of the Gaza Strip, excluding the neighborhoods of Al-Shujaiya and Beit Lahia.

After the news of Hamas’ response was publicized, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, “Hamas is under immense pressure.”

“Like you, I hear the reports in the media, from which you can gather one thing – Hamas is under immense pressure,” he said.

Netanyahu detailed three key points in the ongoing war. He addressed IDF achievements, stating, “First, I expressed on your behalf, on behalf of the Israeli government and my own behalf, immense appreciation for the tremendous achievements of the IDF in the War of Rebirth, the war on seven fronts.”

“Second, I was impressed by the fighting spirit and determination to complete the defeat of Hamas and the release of all our hostages,” Netanyahu continued.

“Third, I spoke with the defense minister and the chief of staff about our plans regarding Gaza City and the completion of our missions.”

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir criticized the deal Hamas had agreed to and warned Netanyahu not to accept it.

“If Netanyahu gives in to Hamas and halts the war, it will be a crying shame and a missed opportunity.”

Ben Gvir posted on X, “Hamas is under great pressure from the occupation of Gaza because it understands that this eliminates it and ends the story. Therefore, it is trying to stop it by returning to a partial deal.”