Netanyahu intensifies talks with Hamas over hostage release

• Israel continues negotiations with Hamas: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered further talks, demanding the release of 11 hostages held in the Gaza Strip.
• Hamas ready for concessions: The radical Palestinian movement has agreed to release one hostage and hand over the bodies of four others.
• Situation in the Gaza Strip: Despite the ceasefire, the parties have not reached an agreement on its extension.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided to continue negotiations with Hamas. This decision was made after a Saturday meeting with representatives of the Israeli government and military. The Prime Minister's office reported, "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held an in-depth discussion this evening on the issue of the hostages, with the participation of the negotiating team and the heads of the security establishment."

In response to Israeli demands, Hamas expressed its readiness to release one hostage and hand over the bodies of four other people with dual citizenship. The Hamas spokesperson said, "Hamas' approval to release Edan Alexander aims to push towards the conclusion of the phases of the agreement."

Israel plans to continue negotiations, considering a proposal from the U.S. president's special envoy, Witkoff, regarding the immediate release of 11 hostages. According to the Israeli Prime Minister's office, "Following the discussion, the Prime Minister instructed the negotiating team to prepare for the continuation of the talks as per the mediators' response to the Witkoff proposal."

Despite the end of the first phase of the ceasefire in early March, the parties have not reached an agreement on its extension. As a result of the recent Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, nine people were killed. According to Israeli data, Hamas is holding 24 hostages and the bodies of 35 killed, abducted on October 7, 2023.