Netanyahu Demands Release of All Hostages Held by Gaza Militants in Exchange for Cease-Fire

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that a cease-fire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza would only be possible if all 239 hostages held by militants in Gaza are released. In a televised address, Netanyahu also stated that after the war, Gaza would be demilitarized and Israel would retain security control there. He also rejected the idea of the Palestinian Authority controlling Gaza in the future.

These positions run counter to post-war scenarios floated by Israel’s closest ally, the United States.

Sakhr Humaid, a resident of Gaza City, received a call from the Israel Defense Forces telling him to evacuate not once but twice. He and his family, which includes his wife, elderly parents, five children and three siblings, grabbed the few belongings they could take with them and traveled 15 miles to the southern city of Khan Yunis. They are one of five families now sheltering at a friend’s home there, joining nearly 600,000 others who have been displaced by the conflict.

The war, now entering its sixth week, has caused immense destruction and displacement in the region. The United Nations has called for an immediate cease-fire, and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has urged both sides to come to the negotiating table. It remains to be seen whether Netanyahu’s conditions for a cease-fire will be accepted by the international community.