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Has Israel-Iran war opened the door for Gaza hostages to return home? Netanyahu thinks so
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that Israel's recent 12-day war with Iran had opened up new 'opportunities,' the most important of which, he suggested, was the potential return of hostages held in Gaza since the Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October 2023.
Speaking during a visit to a Shin Bet security facility, Netanyahu said, 'I want to inform you that as you probably know, many opportunities have opened up now following this victory, many opportunities[…] First of all, to rescue the hostages. Of course we will also have to solve the Gaza issue, to defeat Hamas, but I estimate that we will achieve both tasks.'
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His remarks came on the same day that the Jerusalem District Court agreed to postpone his testimony in his long-running corruption trial, citing classified diplomatic and security considerations. The court accepted Netanyahu's request, prompting speculation that significant progress may be under way in efforts to end the Gaza conflict and secure a hostage deal.
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US President Donald Trump, who has taken an active interest in the region, said Saturday the trial should not interfere with Netanyahu's ability to negotiate. He claimed the Israeli leader was 'right now' in talks with Hamas, although neither side has confirmed such negotiations, and officials have expressed scepticism that a ceasefire is imminent.
Israel's military Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, said Friday the war with Iran, which concluded on 24 June, could assist in advancing Israel's objectives in Gaza, particularly against the Iranian-backed Hamas faction.
Israeli public radio Kan reported that the country's security cabinet convened on Sunday evening and would reconvene on Monday. Israeli media also said that Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, a close Netanyahu ally, is expected to hold meetings at the White House focused on both Iran and Gaza.
The hostages' families responded cautiously to Netanyahu's remarks. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters welcomed the prime minister's renewed focus, saying in a statement, 'The families of the hostages welcome the fact that after 20 months, the return of the hostages has finally been designated as the top priority by the prime minister.'
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'This is a very important statement that must translate into a single comprehensive deal to bring back all 50 hostages and end the fighting in Gaza,' the group said. Israeli officials believe only 20 of the 50 remaining hostages in Gaza are still alive.
The United States has proposed a deal that would include a 60-day ceasefire, the release of half the hostages, the return of Palestinian prisoners, and the remains of Palestinians killed. Under the proposal, the remaining hostages would be released once a permanent ceasefire is in place.
Hamas has said through a senior official that it is prepared to resume ceasefire talks via mediators but maintains that any agreement must include an end to the war and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Israel has refused, insisting the war cannot end until Hamas is disarmed and dismantled. Hamas says it will not lay down its arms.
On Sunday, the Israeli military ordered new evacuations of Palestinians in northern Gaza, signalling an expected escalation in operations against Hamas fighters.
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The 7 October attack by Hamas led to the death of 1,200 people and saw 251 captives taken back into Gaza, according to Israeli figures. Israel's military response has since killed over 56,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's health ministry. Nearly the entire population of 2.3 million has been displaced, and the territory remains mired in humanitarian crisis.
With inputs from agencies
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