In a tense and unfolding situation, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to secure the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas in Gaza without yielding to the militant group's demands. During a press conference on April 20, 2025, Netanyahu emphasized that the military campaign in the Palestinian territory has reached a "critical stage," insisting that patience and determination are essential to achieve victory.
Netanyahu stated, "I believe we can bring our hostages home without surrendering to Hamas’s dictates." This assertion comes in the wake of Hamas rejecting a new truce proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. The Prime Minister's comments reflect a firm stance against what he perceives as Hamas’s attempts to manipulate the situation for their gain.
On April 19, 2025, an Israeli campaign group, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, publicly criticized Netanyahu's approach, stating, "Netanyahu has no plan. Tonight, we heard endless talk about what not to do. We would appreciate hearing from our prime minister what should be done." The forum called for a clear and urgent solution, advocating for a deal that would bring all hostages home, even if it necessitated halting military operations.
Meanwhile, Hamas has indicated a willingness to enter a long-term truce with Israel, a move that could potentially reshape the dynamics of the conflict. According to reports, the group has communicated to Arab mediators its readiness to cease all military operations, including the development of weapons and tunneling activities, as part of a comprehensive deal aimed at ending the Gaza war that began with their attack on October 7, 2023.
As part of this proposed truce, Hamas is reportedly willing to transfer governing control of Gaza to an independent body of Palestinian technocrats, aligning with an Egyptian proposal for postwar administration. To further enforce this halt on military activities, some officials within Hamas have suggested placing their weapons in a secured warehouse.
The proposed truce could last for various durations—five, ten, or even fifteen years—depending on the negotiations. However, this offer is still considered insufficient by Israel, which demands full disarmament of Hamas as a prerequisite for any ceasefire.
The comprehensive deal being discussed would also involve the return of all remaining Israeli hostages in exchange for a specified number of Palestinian prisoners. Additionally, it would establish a permanent ceasefire, the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the reopening of crossings to facilitate humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts.
Despite these developments, Netanyahu has reiterated his opposition to such a deal. He firmly believes that agreeing to end the war and withdraw from Gaza would only serve to entrench Hamas’s power in the region. In his remarks, he insisted that Israel cannot allow Hamas to remain in control, stating, "This would leave Hamas in power in Gaza — an outcome I will not allow."
The Prime Minister's critics, including some of his political opponents, argue that the immediate priority should be the safe return of hostages, suggesting that the dismantling of Hamas could be addressed afterward. However, Netanyahu has countered that any deal must include binding international commitments that would prevent Israel from launching future military actions after a comprehensive agreement is reached.
Earlier this year, in January 2025, Netanyahu had agreed to a phased ceasefire deal with Hamas, which allowed for the release of 33 hostages over a six-week period. However, the terms of that agreement prevented Israel from resuming military operations. Following this ceasefire, Israel resumed intensive military operations in Gaza on March 18, 2025, leading to significant casualties, with over 1,500 Palestinians reported killed according to the Gaza health ministry, a figure that remains unverified and does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.
Since the escalation of military operations, Hamas has shown a slight shift in its stance, moving away from a complete rejection of the idea of another interim ceasefire. However, the group continues to seek guarantees from mediators that Israel will engage in discussions regarding the terms of a permanent ceasefire, a condition that Israel has yet to accept. As a result, negotiations have reached an impasse, leaving the fate of the hostages and the broader conflict unresolved.
The situation remains fluid, with both sides entrenched in their positions. As the conflict continues, the urgency for a resolution grows, with families of hostages and the international community closely watching developments.
