JERUSALEM – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his commitment to securing the release of hostages still held in Gaza, as he addressed the nation for the Jewish Passover holiday. His statement followed remarks from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who hinted at progress in ongoing negotiations, telling a cabinet session on Thursday that “we’re getting close to getting them back.”
In a Passover video message — a festival that commemorates the Israelites’ escape from slavery in Egypt — Netanyahu reflected on the somber mood of the nation, acknowledging that “many families will have empty seats at the table.” He pledged, “Together we will bring back our hostages, defeat our enemies, care for our wounded, and honor the memory of those we’ve lost.”
On Friday, Israeli media reported that Israel and Egypt had exchanged draft proposals for a potential ceasefire and hostage deal. According to The Times of Israel, the Egyptian offer includes the release of eight living hostages and eight bodies in return for a truce lasting between 40 and 70 days, along with the release of a significant number of Palestinian prisoners. Public broadcaster Kan said Netanyahu held late-night talks with security officials and negotiators to evaluate the new Egyptian proposal.
Netanyahu also met with the families of hostages Elkana Bohbot and Rom Braslavski on Thursday, assuring them that efforts to secure the return of all captives continue and providing an update on the talks.
Since the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, Palestinian militants have held 251 hostages, of whom 58 remain in Gaza — with the Israeli military reporting that 34 of them have died. An earlier ceasefire deal brokered by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar in January led to the release of 33 Israeli captives — eight of them deceased — in exchange for about 1,800 Palestinian prisoners.
However, hostilities reignited on March 18, with Israel resuming heavy strikes on Gaza. The Hamas-run health ministry reported that as of Thursday, 1,522 people have died since the ceasefire collapsed, bringing the total death toll in Gaza to 50,886 since the conflict began.