Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed a strong stance on the situation in Gaza, stating that peace can only be achieved by eliminating Hamas. However, this firm position has raised concerns among families of hostages and former hostages. They fear that such rhetoric could complicate the safe return of those still held by the terrorist group.
During his meetings with President Trump and lawmakers, Netanyahu emphasized the importance of preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and the necessity of eradicating Hamas for a peaceful future in the region. He emphasized, “We’re not going to have a future for Gaza or for a future for peace in our part of the world if Hamas remains there.”
Netanyahu’s remarks followed President Trump’s recent announcement outlining intentions for the U.S. to intervene in the Gaza Strip and proposing the relocation of millions of Palestinians from the area.
The Bibas family, from left: Yarden, Ariel, Shiri, and Kfir. (Ofri Bibas Levy)
At least nine hostages are still believed to be alive who are scheduled to be released in the first round, while the release of the remaining 65 hostages, at least 26 of whom are believed to also have been killed, will be negotiated for release following the initial 42-day period.
Reports have indicated that officials are still set to travel to Qatar on Saturday to begin negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire – a process that was delayed one week.
A spokesman for Netanyahu on Friday said that the prime minister views Hamas’ delay in releasing the names of the hostages intended to be released on Saturday as “serious” and a “violation” of the ceasefire agreement.
The prime minister’s office confirmed to Fox News Digital that he will be monitoring the fifth hostage release scheduled for Saturday from Washington, D.C., where he will remain through the weekend.
Hamas has named Yarden Bibas, Keith Siegel and Ofer Kalderon as the next three hostages to be released. (The Hostages and Missing Families Forum)
Reports this week suggested that Netanyahu had presented Trump with a plan to end the war in Gaza in exchange for assurances from Hamas that it would relinquish its power in the war-torn region and that its leaders would go into exile.
Netanyahu’s office denied these claims to Fox News Digital.
