In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the fate of the remaining 120 Israeli hostages in Gaza remains a critical and contentious issue. A senior Hamas official recently admitted that the militant group is unsure how many hostages are still alive, highlighting the complexities in the negotiations for a ceasefire and the hostages’ release.

Hamas spokesperson Osama Hamdan, speaking to CNN from Beirut, emphasized that any deal must include guarantees for a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Hamdan also called for the lifting of the blockade and allowing Palestinians to determine their own future, including reconstruction efforts. He stated that Hamas is prepared to discuss a fair prisoner exchange as part of these conditions​.

Israeli Government’s Position

Contrary to Hamas’s statements, former Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz, who recently resigned from the war cabinet, asserted that Israel has a close estimate of the number of hostages still alive. Gantz mentioned that the Israeli government knows the fate of the Bibas family, who were among those taken hostage on October 7, and that this information would be disclosed to the public at an appropriate time​ .

The Bibas family was shown alive in a video released by the Israeli military on the day of their capture, but Hamas later claimed they had been killed in an Israeli airstrike in November​.

Internal Israeli Political Dynamics

Gantz cited internal political pressures and delays in decision-making as reasons for his resignation from the war cabinet. He specifically mentioned the influence of Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and others as factors that hindered timely decisions. Gantz warned that the battle in the south would be prolonged and called for new leadership to address the significant challenges ahead. He also stated that while Israel would maintain a military presence in some territories in Gaza, it would not govern the region, nor should Hamas​.

Stalled Negotiations

Negotiations over the US-backed ceasefire proposal have intensified but hit a roadblock after Hamas responded to the proposal 12 days after receiving it. The delay and the group’s demands for a comprehensive agreement, including the lifting of the siege and a clear stance from Israel on the ceasefire, have stalled progress​ (The Times of Israel)​.

Conclusion

The uncertainty surrounding the hostages’ status and the stalled negotiations underscore the complexities of achieving a lasting peace agreement. With both sides holding firm on their conditions, the path to a resolution remains fraught with challenges.