Netanyahu: 'We are considering alternative options to bring the hostages home'
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel and the US are considering alternative options for bringing the hostages home in a Friday statement, agreeing with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff that Hamas is the obstacle to a hostage deal.
"Hamas is the obstacle to a hostage release deal. Together with our US allies, we are now considering alternative options to bring our hostages home, end Hamas's terror rule, and secure lasting peace for Israel and our region," he said.
US President Donald Trump also commented on the ceasefire negotiations situation, arguing that "Hamas didn't want to make a deal."
Trump made the comments to reporters at the White House one day after Witkoff said the Trump administration had decided to bring its negotiating team home for consultations following Hamas' latest proposal.
On Friday morning, Netanyahu convened a meeting with members of the small security cabinet, including the defense minister and senior defense officials, Israeli sources told The Jerusalem Post.
The meeting was held to discuss negotiations for a deal and the war in Gaza, with the question: "What's next?"
The Israeli negotiation team departed Qatar on Thursday morning for consultations in Israel, after over two weeks of high-stakes negotiations in Doha. The US team also departed Qatar, with Witkoff commenting that the latest response from Hamas showed "a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza.
"While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith. We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza.
"It is a shame that Hamas has acted in this selfish way. We are resolute in seeking an end to this conflict and a permanent peace in Gaza,' Witkoff concluded.
Minister's respond to Netanyahu's message
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called to "stop all the humanitarian aid entering Gaza" and to "totally occupy the Strip.
"This is not an alternative path – it is the main path to the secure release of the hostages and achieving victory in the war," he said in a statement.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also viewed the current developments as positive. "The humiliating negotiation with the terrorists is over. It is time for total victory," he posted on X.
Amichai Stein contributed to this report.
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