Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu held an extensive meeting tonight to discuss the ongoing situation with the hostages. The session was attended by ministers, members of the negotiation team, and the leaders of Israel’s defense establishment.
After the meeting, Netanyahu directed the negotiating team to prepare for continued discussions focused on securing the immediate release of 11 living hostages, as well as approximately half of the deceased hostages, based on the response from the mediators to US envoy Steve Witkoff’s proposal.
Earlier on Friday evening, Witkoff had mentioned that Hamas is making “unrealistic” demands behind closed doors, despite their public claims of being willing to release Edan Alexander and the remains of four hostages who hold dual citizenship.
“Hamas is making a very poor gamble by believing that time is on its side. That is not the case. Hamas is well aware of the deadline and must understand that we will respond accordingly if it passes,” Witkoff warned.
He further elaborated, “According to the mediation proposal, Hamas will release live hostages in exchange for prisoners based on previous formulas. The first stage of the ceasefire will be extended to allow for the resumption of significant humanitarian aid, and the US will work to achieve a stable solution to the ongoing conflict during the extended ceasefire period.”
Witkoff expressed frustration with Hamas’s actions, stating, “Unfortunately, Hamas has chosen to respond by publicly declaring flexibility while secretly presenting demands that are completely impossible without a permanent ceasefire.”
It was reported Thursday that under Witkoff’s latest proposal, the ceasefire would be extended by 50 days, during which Israel would release convicted terrorists in exchange for a number of hostages.
During this time, discussions would continue regarding the second phase of the deal, which would involve Israel’s full withdrawal from Gaza, even though Hamas has consistently violated the ceasefire agreements.
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