Netanyahu leads critical talks with Hamas over hostage release

• Continued negotiations with Hamas: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered further talks, demanding the release of 11 hostages held in the Gaza Strip.
• Hamas ready for concessions: The radical Palestinian movement has agreed to release one hostage and hand over the bodies of four others.
• Situation in the Gaza Strip: Despite the ceasefire, the parties have not yet reached an agreement on its extension.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided to continue negotiations with Hamas. This decision was made following a Saturday meeting with representatives of the Israeli government and military. "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held an in-depth discussion this evening on the issue of the hostages, with the participation of the negotiating team and the heads of the security establishment," reported the Prime Minister's office.

In response to Israeli demands, Hamas expressed readiness to release one hostage and hand over the bodies of four other people with dual citizenship. "Hamas' approval to release Edan Alexander aims to push towards the conclusion of the phases of the agreement," the Hamas spokesperson said.

Israel plans to continue negotiations, considering a proposal from the US president's special envoy, Witkoff, regarding the immediate release of 11 hostages. "Following the discussion, the Prime Minister instructed the negotiating team to prepare for the continuation of the talks as per the mediators' response to the Witkoff proposal," the Israeli Prime Minister's office stated.

Despite the conclusion of the first phase of the ceasefire in early March, the parties have not yet reached an agreement on its extension. As a result of the recent Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, nine people were killed. According to Israeli data, Hamas is holding 24 hostages and the bodies of 35 killed, abducted on 7th October 2023.