Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced “many opportunities have opened up” following the country’s military operations in Iran, including the possibility of bringing home the remaining hostages held in Gaza. In a speech at a Shin Bet security agency facility on Sunday, Netanyahu stated that rescuing the hostages is now a priority.
This comes after months of prioritizing the defeat of Hamas in Gaza over hostage release. Netanyahu has faced criticism from families of hostages, opposition politicians, and parts of the Israeli public for not clearly focusing on the return of the hostages.
The Hostages Families Forum Headquarters called for a comprehensive deal to bring back all 50 hostages and end fighting in Gaza. The forum stated that a single word difference could mean salvation or loss for the hostages.
US President Donald Trump has also been pushing for a ceasefire deal, stating his desire to secure a deal to end the war in Gaza and bring home the remaining hostages. Trump has made clear his support for Netanyahu, calling his trial on corruption charges a “political witch hunt.”
A recent proposal from US envoy Steve Witkoff calls for a 60-day ceasefire and the release of 10 living hostages and 18 deceased hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The two sides are set to enter negotiations for a comprehensive ceasefire agreement.
Despite the military’s expanding operations, security sources recommend pursuing a diplomatic path in Gaza after over 20 months of fighting. More than 56,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes and military operations since the start of the war, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/06/29/middleeast/netanyahu-hostages-opportunity-iran-intl-latam