JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted at ongoing negotiations for the release of hostages held by Hamas on Saturday, following a meeting between Israel's intelligence chief and the Prime Minister of Qatar, a key mediator in the Gaza war.
Addressing the media in a televised press conference, Netanyahu, a day after the accidental killing of three hostages by Israeli forces, stated the gravity of the war, terming it "an existential battle that demands relentless pursuit until victory". Despite acknowledged pressure and costs, Netanyahu asserted plans for Gaza demilitarisation and asserted Israeli security control.
"The instruction I am giving the negotiating team is predicated on this pressure, without which we have nothing," Netanyahu stated.
As the war on Gaza continues with the death toll rising each day, Hamas has maintained its position, stating that negotiations for hostage release would only occur "if aggression against our people stops once and for all".
At least 18,787 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks since October 7.
On Friday, Israeli forces admitted to mistakenly killing three Hamas-held hostages, all in their 20s, in the Shijaiyah area of Gaza City, where the troops are engaged in fierce fighting with Hamas.
The incident has intensified pressure on Israeli authorities to secure a deal for the release of the remaining 120 captives in Gaza.
