The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected claims that Hamas has provided a list of hostages to be released as part of a potential cease-fire agreement on Sunday.
Earlier that day, Reuters announced that Hamas had agreed on a list of 34 hostages that could potentially be released in return for a cease-fire deal. Hamas officials stated that this agreement hinged on Israel agreeing to withdraw from Gaza and implement a lasting cease-fire.
“Contrary to what was claimed, Hamas has not forwarded a list of names of hostages until this moment,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement.
The statement comes days after Netanyahu was released from hospital on Thursday after his prostate surgery.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a news conference in Jerusalem. (OHAD ZWIGENBERG/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
His office said Netanyahu, 75, was in good condition and fully conscious after the conclusion of his prostate surgery.
Netanyahu has had several health procedures in the last two years. In March, he underwent hernia surgery while under full anesthesia, with Deputy Prime Minister Yariv Levin stepping in temporarily to fulfill his duties.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voting in Israel’s Knesset just a day after a serious operation. (Yoav Dudkevitch/TPS-IL)
Months before the Oct. 7 attacks, Netanyahu suffered dehydration and was admitted to a hospital in July 2023. The Israeli leader said that he became dehydrated after visiting the Sea of Galilee without water or sun protection during a heatwave.
A week after being admitted for dehydration, Netanyahu’s doctors implanted a pacemaker to regulate his heart rate and rhythm.
Netanyahu’s most recent operation came as the 75-year-old politician continues to testify in a corruption case against him in Israel. He took the stand earlier in December and is expected to continue testifying in the new year.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday held meetings at Mount Hermon with Defense Minister Israel Katz, Chief of Staff Lt. Col. Herzi Halevi, Northern Command Commander Major General Uri Gordin, and Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar. (IDF)
Netanyahu is also currently leading the IDF on multiple fronts across the Middle East, continuing to target Iranian terrorists and their proxies.
Yonat Friling contributed to this report.
