Missile Launched From Yemen Falls Before Reaching Israel, IDF Official Says

Hostage Situation Update

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Thursday that at least 20 Israeli hostages held by Hamas are confirmed to be alive. He expressed the possibility that a deal for their release could be reached within days.

In an interview, Netanyahu provided an updated assessment of the hostages: "We have 50 left; 20 definitely alive, and some 30 that are not alive. We now have a deal that could result in the release of half of the living and half of the deceased hostages, leaving 10 living and about 12 deceased hostages remaining. I hope we can complete this in a few days."

Ceasefire and Negotiations

Netanyahu indicated that a potential agreement would include a significant pause in fighting. He stated, "We'll probably have a 60-day ceasefire. Get the first batch out and then use the 60 days to try to negotiate an end to this." He also said that the conflict could end if Hamas were to surrender: "This could end tomorrow if Hamas lays down its arms."

Statements Regarding Hamas and Gaza

The prime minister stated that Hamas is both a fighting and governing force in Gaza. He said that Hamas targets Israeli civilians and uses Gaza civilians as human shields. Netanyahu claimed that Hamas prevents civilians from leaving conflict areas and that this is used for propaganda purposes.

Netanyahu also said that some Palestinians in Gaza are resisting Hamas, stating, "Palestinians in Gaza are fighting Hamas. Palestinians in Gaza are defying Hamas." He expressed the belief that the objective of defeating Hamas is achievable and stated confidence in the possibility of peace with neighboring Arab countries.