Israel Not Ruling Out Extending the Ceasefire with Hamas in Exchange for More Hostages

Today (Monday), Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa’ar met one on one with EU foreign ministers as part of his diplomatic visit to Brussels, during which he addressed the issue of hostages and the ceasefire in Gaza.

Minister Gideon Sa’ar in one of his meetings | Photo: Shalev Mann

“In Exchange for the Release of More Hostages”

“We do not rule out an extension of the temporary ceasefire in exchange for the release of more hostages,” Sa’ar told his European counterparts. “This will not happen without the release of hostages. We are committed to the release of our hostages and to the war objectives we have set.”

In related news, Egyptian sources told the Qatari news site  Al-Araby Al-Jadeed (The New Arab): “Senior Egyptian officials have positive indications regarding the start of negotiations on the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and that the Trump administration is interested in completing the release of all hostages and not returning to war in Gaza.”

Northern Gaza During the Ceasefire | Photo: Khalil Kahlout/Flash90

Pressure on Hamas Increases

Earlier today, Hamas spokesman in Gaza, Hazem Qassem, announced that the terror organization is ready to respond to the requests of the mediating countries regarding the release of hostages – another sign of the the increasing pressure Hamas is feeling.

“We are ready for the release of live hostages in the second phase of the agreement to occur in one batch rather than in multiple rounds,” Qassem said in an interview with a Qatari channel in an attempt to advance the deal. This marks a significant shift in Hamas’ tactics, as it had previously preferred to release hostages in stages to maximize political gains.

Hamas Terrorists at a “Ceremony” Returning Hostages | Photo: Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash90

Israel Delays the Release of Terrorists

Meanwhile, Israel continues to delay the release of approximately 600 terrorists, including heavy terrorists and high-ranking Hamas figures such as Nael Barghouti, convicted of murdering bus driver Mordechai Yekuel, and Ammar al-Zaben, responsible for the murder of 27 Israelis. The delay is due to Hamas’ cynical conduct throughout the deal, which includes the obscene celebratory ceremonies every Saturday morning and the production of a brutal video showing hostages Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Evyatar David forced to watch their comrades being released while they remained behind in captivity.

Netanyahu: “Victory, Victory, and Only Victory”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the ongoing situation at a combat officers’ course graduation ceremony yesterday, stating: “We remain steadfast in our war objectives: bringing all our hostages home, dismantling Hamas, and ensuring our citizens return to their homes safely.”

He emphasized that military pressure, combined with the firm backing of U.S. President Donald Trump, contributed to the release of hostages in recent weeks, and he promised: “We will not relent in our mission until everyone returns home.”