Israel has declared that no ceasefire agreement will be accepted unless all hostages held in Gaza are released at once. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressed that partial deals are not an option, insisting that the war will only be paused when every hostage, whether alive or deceased, is returned.
This firm stance has cast serious doubt on ongoing ceasefire negotiations, as mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States continue efforts to secure a breakthrough. Israel’s insistence on a complete one-time release rather than a phased arrangement has complicated progress in the talks.
Meanwhile, protests have intensified across Israel, with families of hostages and supporters blocking major highways and gathering outside government and military buildings. They demand that the government prioritize the safe return of captives before moving forward with any agreement.
