Netanyahu Pushes for “All-or-Nothing” Hostage Deal in Gaza Ceasefire Talks

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled a major shift in Gaza ceasefire negotiations, hinting that efforts are now focused on securing the release of all remaining hostages in one sweeping deal — alive or dead — rather than through phased agreements.

The move comes amid renewed mediation efforts by Egypt and Qatar, who are reportedly pushing a framework for a full hostage release in exchange for a lasting ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The talks, which had stalled last month, saw fresh movement Tuesday when a Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo.

But Netanyahu, speaking to Israel’s i24 News, suggested the window for partial deals has closed. “I think it’s behind us,” he said. “We tried… but it turned out they were just misleading us. I want all of them.” He reiterated that Israel’s demands — the return of all hostages and Hamas’ surrender — remain unchanged, and that Israel will maintain open-ended security control over Gaza.

Hamas, meanwhile, insists it will only free hostages in return for the release of Palestinian prisoners, a permanent ceasefire, and a full Israeli withdrawal. The group refuses to disarm, a key sticking point for Israel.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. The U.N. warned Tuesday that starvation and malnutrition are at their highest levels since the war began. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, over 220 people — including 101 children — have died from hunger-related causes. Aid deliveries remain far below the minimum needed, with the U.N. blaming Israeli restrictions for severe delays.

The war, now in its 22nd month, began after the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attack that killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 hostages taken. Israel’s military response has killed over 61,400 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities, and displaced most of the territory’s 2 million residents.

In a separate incident, the Israeli military said it targeted a group of militants disguised as aid workers, using a car marked with the logo of international food charity World Central Kitchen (WCK). The strike came after confirming the group had no affiliation with WCK. The charity condemned the misuse of humanitarian symbols, saying it puts both civilians and aid workers at risk.

The WCK has previously lost staff in Israeli strikes — including seven workers in April — with Israel admitting fault in that case.

With the humanitarian crisis deepening and diplomatic channels re-engaging, the coming days may reveal whether Netanyahu’s “all-or-nothing” approach brings the war closer to an end — or pushes the conflict into even deadlier territory.