Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed his negotiating team to prepare for renewed talks on Gaza, following feedback from mediators on a proposal by US envoy Steve Witkoff, his office announced Saturday.
In a statement, Netanyahu’s office said he held “an in-depth discussion on the issue of the abductees” with key ministers, negotiators, and security officials. He then instructed his team to move forward based on mediator responses to Witkoff’s proposal, which reportedly includes the release of 11 detainees—some of whom are deceased.
Israeli media offered conflicting details on the proposal. Channel 12 reported that it involves releasing five Israeli detainees, including Israeli-American Idan Alexander, along with the bodies of ten others, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and a temporary ceasefire lasting 42 to 50 days to allow broader negotiations.
Meanwhile, Hamas signaled flexibility, announcing Friday that it had accepted a mediator-backed plan to release Alexander and the remains of four dual-national detainees, aiming to advance a ceasefire and prisoner exchange.
Netanyahu’s handling of the negotiations has fueled public frustration. On Saturday, an estimated 10,000 Israelis protested in Tel Aviv, demanding a finalized ceasefire deal. The demonstration, reported by Yedioth Ahronoth, included families of detainees urging the government to secure their loved ones’ release.
As talks remain stalled, conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate under Israel’s blockade. The Israeli military has kept crossings closed, restricting aid, fuel, and essential supplies.
Gaza’s Ministry of Health reported 29 more deaths in the past 24 hours—15 recovered bodies and 14 lately killed—bringing the total death toll since 7 October 2023 to 48,572, with 112,032 wounded.
Amid worsening conditions, Gaza’s Municipality warned that Israel’s threat to cut water supplies from the Mekorot pipeline endangers residents. The pipeline supplies 70% of Gaza City’s daily water needs.
“If water supplies from this pipeline are cut off, it will cause severe thirst, endanger human life, deteriorate public health, and lead to disease outbreaks,” the municipality said, calling for urgent international intervention.
