Netanyahu open to hostage talks but rules out Gaza ceasefire
Benjamin Netanyahu announced on social media that Israel is ready to negotiate the release of hostages held by Hamas. However, he emphasized that Israel rules out a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip during the talks.
Netanyahu wrote on platform X that on Monday, he met with President Donald Trump’s envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, and the U.S. ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee.
"Then I spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump. I thanked President Trump for assistance in releasing IDF soldier Edan Alexander. President Trump reiterated his commitment to Israel and his desire to continue close cooperation with me," Netanyahu stated.
"During my meeting with envoy Witkoff and Ambassador Huckabee, we discussed the last opportunity to implement the hostage release plan proposed by Witkoff before an escalation of the fighting occurs," emphasized the Israeli government leader.
He added that he has instructed a negotiation team to attend talks scheduled for Tuesday in Doha, Qatar. "I made it clear that the negotiations will take place exclusively under fire," Netanyahu asserted.
The U.S. talks with Hamas about a truce
Unofficial sources suggest that talks between the U.S. and Hamas regarding a truce and the resumption of humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza are ongoing, although the U.S. State Department has not confirmed these reports.
Israeli media report that these discussions are causing tensions between Washington and Tel Aviv. The Haaretz newspaper noted that the Americans are pressuring the Israeli government to agree to a ceasefire before Trump’s visit, warning that otherwise "Israel will be left on its own."
Israelis want the hostages freed
On March 18, the Israeli government resumed military operations after nearly two months of a ceasefire, aiming to force further concessions from Hamas. Tel Aviv is seeking both the release of hostages and the complete dismantling of Hamas.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian organization expresses willingness to reach an agreement but only one that guarantees the cessation of military actions—something Israel opposes.
Polls indicate that many Israelis support a truce that would facilitate the release of hostages, even if it means ending the war. Families of the abducted accuse the government of being driven by political motives.
The Israeli army reports that 24 hostages remain captive, and the bodies of 35 people are still held by Hamas.
