Netanyahu seeks swift resolution in hostage negotiations with Hamas
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed optimism on Thursday about finalizing a deal to secure the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas within the coming days. The announcement comes amidst ongoing ceasefire talks aimed at de-escalating tensions following a protracted and devastating conflict.
Hostage crisis and ongoing negotiations
Netanyahu revealed that of the 50 Israeli hostages still held captive by Hamas, only 20 are believed to be alive. Speaking during an interview on Newsmax’s The Record with Greta Van Susteren, he stated: “I want to take them all out. We now have a deal that supposedly will get half of the living and half of the dead out. And so we’ll have 10 living left and about 12 deceased hostages, but I’ll get them out, too. I hope we can complete it in a few days.”
Israel and Hamas have been engaged in intermittent ceasefire talks since the conflict erupted in October 2023. According to Netanyahu, the two sides could soon agree on a 60-day ceasefire, providing a critical window to negotiate a lasting resolution.
The toll of conflict
The hostilities began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an assault on southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and abducting 251 hostages, according to official Israeli figures. In response, Israel’s military operations in Gaza have led to over 57,000 Palestinian deaths, as reported by Gaza’s health ministry, and caused widespread destruction across the territory.
Two ceasefires have been brokered during the conflict—one in November 2023 and another in January 2025—offering brief respites from the violence. However, unresolved issues, including the flow of humanitarian aid, Israeli troop withdrawals, and guarantees for a permanent ceasefire, continue to hinder progress.
US-Israel relations and regional dynamics
Netanyahu’s remarks coincide with his third visit to Washington since President Donald Trump assumed office. Praising Trump’s unwavering support for Israel, Netanyahu stated, “We’ve never had such a friend, such a support of Israel, the Jewish state in the White House.”
Last month, the United States joined Israel in a targeted strike on three of Iran’s nuclear facilities. President Trump described the operation as having “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capabilities, a claim Netanyahu echoed, warning that Iran had been months away from producing atomic weapons.
With the hostage crisis, ceasefire negotiations, and regional tensions unfolding simultaneously, the coming days could prove pivotal for Israel, Hamas, and the broader Middle East.
