Gaza Hostage Talks Stall as Israel Eyes Military Escalation

Efforts to secure a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza have stalled, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushing for a military solution and Hamas demanding urgent humanitarian aid before resuming talks, according to CNN.

An Israeli official said Netanyahu seeks to free hostages by defeating Hamas while allowing limited aid into non-combat zones. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar confirmed plans to expand operations after recent negotiations failed.

Meanwhile, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff told hostage families the goal should be to end the war and release all 50 hostages at once. “All or nothing,” he reportedly said, warning of consequences if hostages die.

CNN reports that public pressure is mounting. Families of hostages accused Netanyahu of deceiving the public and warned against more fighting. Hundreds of former Israeli security officials have urged an end to the war, arguing Hamas is no longer a strategic threat.

Hamas says it won’t return to talks until Gaza’s hunger crisis is addressed. The UN reports nearly 1,400 Palestinians killed seeking food, most by Israeli forces, and warns of a worsening humanitarian catastrophe.