Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says ongoing Gaza ceasefire negotiations are now centred on securing the release of all remaining hostages in a single deal, moving away from earlier proposals for a phased truce.
In an interview with Israeli channel i24 on Tuesday, Netanyahu dismissed the possibility of a partial ceasefire.
“I think it’s behind us,” he said. “We tried, we made all kinds of attempts, we went through a lot, but it turned out that they were just misleading us. I want all of them — the release of all the hostages, both alive and dead — that’s the stage we’re at.”
Palestinian armed groups are still holding 50 hostages abducted during the Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, which killed about 1,200 people. Israel believes around 20 hostages are still alive.
Hamas confirmed that a delegation is in Cairo for “preliminary talks” with Egyptian officials. Mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States see a potential window in the coming weeks to push a deal forward. However, differences remain: Israel insists Hamas must disarm and relinquish control of Gaza, while Hamas demands a full Israeli withdrawal, an end to the war, and a broad prisoner exchange.
Last week, Arab officials said mediators were working on a framework for a simultaneous release of all hostages in exchange for ending the war. But Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty signalled continued efforts to revive the earlier phased plan — a 60-day ceasefire coupled with the release of some hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and unimpeded humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The conflict has intensified in recent days, with witnesses reporting heavy Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City. Hospitals say dozens were killed on Wednesday, including children, in strikes on Tel al-Hawa and the Zaytoun area.
The Israeli military confirmed that Chief of Staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir has approved “the main framework for the IDF’s operational plan” in Gaza, with Israeli media reporting a large-scale ground offensive could begin in October after reservist mobilisation.
Netanyahu remains under pressure at home, both to secure the hostages’ release and to pursue his military strategy. He insists Israel’s objectives are unchanged: “The war will end only when all hostages are returned and Hamas surrenders.” He also reiterated his controversial proposal for “voluntary” Palestinian emigration, adding: “They’re not being pushed out, they’ll be allowed to exit. All those who are concerned for the Palestinians should open their gates and stop lecturing us.”
Rights groups and UN experts have warned that any forced displacement from Gaza would breach international law. Many Palestinians fear a repeat of the 1948 “Nakba,” when hundreds of thousands were expelled or fled during the creation of Israel.
According to the Hamas-run health ministry, Israel’s offensive has killed at least 61,722 Palestinians, with 235 deaths — including 106 children — caused by starvation and malnutrition amid severe restrictions on aid. The UN’s World Food Programme warns Gaza is facing its worst levels of hunger since the war began.
