The Israeli war cabinet is set to convene later on Sunday to address the ongoing situation concerning the hostages held in Gaza. The cabinet comprises Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, and Benny Gantz, the chairman of the National Unity Party.
In a video message released by the Government Press Office to commemorate Passover, Netanyahu expressed concern for the 133 individuals who remain captive, stating that they are absent from the Seder table due to being held by Hamas.
Netanyahu accused Hamas of outright rejection of proposed hostage deals and vowed that Israel would intensify its efforts to secure the release of the hostages. He mentioned plans to deliver additional blows and escalate military and political pressure on Hamas.
Regarding the negotiations, talks facilitated by international mediators have been ongoing for weeks but have not resulted in any significant breakthroughs recently. The proposed framework involves a six-week ceasefire period during which Hamas would release 40 hostages, including women, sick, and elderly men, in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.
However, Hamas has informed the mediators, including Qatar and Egypt, that they do not have 40 living hostages meeting the specified criteria for release. Additionally, the available records on the hostages suggest that there are fewer than 40 individuals who qualify for release based on the proposed conditions.
