Gaza Hostage Negotiations Shift Focus to All-in-One Release, Netanyahu Reveals

Talks for a ceasefire in Gaza are now being refocused on a comprehensive agreement to secure the release of all hostages in one go. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's remarks come amid increasing pressure from families of the hostages and rising concerns over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Previously, negotiations centered around a staggered approach involving a 60-day truce and partial releases.

Hamas has sent a delegation to Cairo to engage in preliminary discussions with Egyptian officials, as mediators hint at a potential breakthrough in the coming weeks. The Israeli military has continued its offensive, recently intensifying strikes on Gaza City's Zaytoun district, with the Hamas-run health ministry reporting a death toll of over 120 Palestinians in a single day due to ongoing operations. This escalation follows a breakdown of previous talks in the aftermath of a deadly attack by Hamas on Israel that claimed around 1,200 Israeli lives, leading to over 61,000 Palestinian fatalities since the onset of recent hostilities.

Netanyahu, facing mounting domestic and international pressure, has shifted strategy, indicating that the only acceptable outcome involves the complete return of hostages—both living and deceased. While preliminary talks continue, the Israeli government maintains its demand for the disarmament of Hamas and an end to its control in Gaza.

As the situation develops, humanitarian organizations warn of worsening conditions, considering thousands are already suffering from starvation and malnutrition in the embattled region.