Israeli Official to Hostage Families: Political Leadership Obstructing Gaza Deal
Families of Israeli detainees in Gaza accuse the government of delaying negotiations, risking their loved ones' lives to prolong the war.
Watan-An Israeli official informed the families of Israeli detainees in Gaza that the political leadership—not the professional teams—is obstructing the completion of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal with Hamas. This has fueled concerns among the families about the possibility of the war resuming and the agreement failing to move into its second phase, despite being brokered by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar.
Due to the lack of progress in the deal, some families of detainees requested a meeting with a knowledgeable member of the negotiation team to better understand the current situation. According to Israel’s Channel 12, which reported on the meeting last night, one family member told the official: “We see the government’s actions, and we are worried. The government insists on returning to war and is delaying the release of the prisoners. My brother’s life is at stake—why aren’t you doing everything to bring them back?”
Political Deadlock: Israeli Officials Delay Hostage Deal Progress
The official from the negotiation team responded: “The professional team strongly opposed delaying the prisoners’ release. This was a political decision made against professional considerations.”
Another family member asked: “Don’t the officials hear the news about the torture and suffering the hostages are going through? They hear and know everything, yet they are delaying the second-phase negotiations even at the cost of people’s lives?”
The official replied: “In our sensitive, closed-door discussions, public voices influence decision-makers. The public’s awareness of the hostages’ conditions and pressure from the field all have an impact. Those familiar with the negotiations understand the implications of each step, including the long-term effects on the hostages if we return to fighting.”
Another family member accused Israeli officials, saying: “They know and hear everything, yet they still refuse to discuss the release of all hostages.” The official clarified: “The negotiation team has not been given a mandate to address the gaps in the second phase. There are solvable issues, but as long as we cannot discuss ending the war and Gaza’s future, we cannot guarantee the release of all the hostages.”
Netanyahu’s Stalling: Israel Blocks Ceasefire Progress
The official also ruled out extending the first phase, despite Israel itself requesting an extension. This, he said, confirms that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is stalling to avoid ending the war in Gaza. When asked about the meaning of extending the first phase, the official explained: “It is not an option. If Israel does not enter negotiations for the second phase and commit to ending the war, Hamas will not release more hostages.”
According to one of the families quoted by Channel 12, “The Israeli government committed to starting discussions on the second phase on the 16th day, yet no real discussions have begun. The government is endangering our loved ones and effectively violating the agreement.”
Meanwhile, Israel’s Haaretz newspaper, citing unnamed senior Israeli officials, reported that Israel is willing to extend the ceasefire in Gaza for a few more days under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration and mediating countries, in an effort to exhaust negotiations with Hamas.
However, they clarified that Israel will only agree to talks based on a proposal by Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Whitkoff. This proposal suggests releasing half of the hostages in one batch on the first day of the plan’s implementation, with the rest being released once agreements are reached regarding the second phase.
