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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that the recent 12-day war with Iran opened new diplomatic opportunities, particularly in securing the release of hostages held in Gaza. His remarks came as the Jerusalem District Court postponed his testimony in his ongoing corruption trial, citing classified diplomatic and security matters. The delay fueled speculation that negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release may be advancing.
Netanyahu emphasized that Israel’s priorities include rescuing the 50 remaining hostages taken during Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack, which left 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 abducted. Only 20 of the hostages are believed to be alive. He said the goal is twofold: defeating Hamas and bringing all hostages home.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum welcomed Netanyahu’s statement, noting it was the first time he publicly declared hostage recovery as a top priority. They called for a single, comprehensive deal to end the war and secure the hostages' return.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Saturday that Netanyahu is actively negotiating with Hamas, though no official details were released. The U.S. has proposed a 60-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of half the hostages and Palestinian prisoners, followed by a permanent ceasefire and full hostage release. Hamas has agreed to resume talks but insists any deal must end the war and lead to full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Israeli officials maintain the war can only end if Hamas is disarmed. The conflict has killed over 56,000 Palestinians, displaced nearly all 2.3 million residents of Gaza, and deepened the humanitarian crisis. With intensified fighting expected in northern Gaza, the outcome of potential ceasefire talks remains uncertain.
