Released Israeli hostage Agam Berger. (X Screenshot)
Concerning hostage releases, the Israeli official said, “There will be no more partial deals.”
After hostage deal negotiations came to a complete halt and Hamas indicated it is no longer interested in considering new proposals, the U.S. and Israel may join forces in a “comprehensive plan” for Gaza.
A senior Israeli official told reporters on Thursday, “There will be no more partial deals,” adding that the two countries were finding a way to “shift from a framework for the release of some of the hostages to a framework for the release of all of the hostages, the disarmament of Hamas and the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip.”
The official continued, “At the same time, Israel and the U.S. will work to increase the humanitarian aid, while continuing the fighting in Gaza.”
Last week, Hamas sent its negotiators back from Gaza, saying that they are not considering any hostage release proposals, claiming a food crisis in the Gaza Strip.
The sticking point between Hamas and Israel was over ending the war, with Israel insisting that it have the option of continuing the war after a 60-day cease-fire and hostage release, and the terror group demanding a permanent end to the war.
In addition, Israel has insisted that Hamas not be allowed to rule the Gaza Strip and be forced to disarm, conditions the terror group has refused.
Although Israeli officials indicated that a plan between the U.S. and Israel was being discussed, no details were revealed.
During the nearly two years since the beginning of the war, there have been two temporary truces that saw the release of hostages in phases in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
Currently, there are 50 hostages left in Gaza, 20 of whom are believed to still be alive.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, arrived in Israel on Thursday to address the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza.
The White House said Witkoff and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee will travel to Gaza on Friday to observe food distribution operations.
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