Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to reach an agreement to free hostages held captive in Gaza, amid tensions between Israel and Hamas. In a cabinet meeting on Sunday, Netanyahu stated that military pressure had been effective in crushing Hamas’s capabilities, while also creating conditions for the release of Israeli hostages.
Netanyahu said that he was willing to negotiate with Hamas and that the militant group’s leaders would be allowed to leave once they did so. He also expressed his commitment to securing general security in the Gaza Strip and implementing a ceasefire plan.
However, Netanyahu faced criticism from protesters who accused him of prioritizing military pressure over finding a deal to free hostages still held captive. Einav Zangauker, the mother of Matan Zangauker, who is still being held by Hamas, called Netanyahu’s actions “a targeted assassination” against her son.
The situation in Gaza remains volatile, with 58 Israeli hostages remaining in captivity and 14 rescuers found dead after ambulances were attacked by Israeli forces. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society has condemned Israel for targeting its paramedics during humanitarian missions.
Mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the US are continuing efforts to broker a ceasefire and secure the release of the Israeli hostages. Hamas has expressed willingness to release five living Israeli hostages in exchange for a 50-day ceasefire.
Netanyahu’s office confirmed receipt of the proposal but said Israel had submitted a counterproposal. The details of the latest mediation efforts remain undisclosed, with Netanyahu’s government insisting on the release of 10 of the 24 hostages.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/30/netanyahu-says-he-is-willing-to-reach-deal-to-free-israeli-hostages