Netanyahu rejects partial hostage deal, Israel gears up for nationwide strikes
“The Prime Minister’s office specifies that Israel will accept an agreement provided that all hostages are published in one go,” the statement said.
In the midst of the renewed reports of the flexibility of Hamas on a gradual ceasefire agreement, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel will only accept a complete agreement which guarantees the release of all the captives at the same time on Saturday evening.
“The Prime Minister’s office specifies that Israel will accept an agreement provided that all the hostages are published in one go, and in accordance with our conditions to end the war, which include the disarmament of Hamas, the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, Israeli control of Gaza Perimeter, and the installation of non-hamas and non-peace-and-peace authorities.
Clarification came while Hamas would have reconsidered Witkoff’s so-called proposal by an American special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff. He proposed a 60-day ceasefire plan under which around half of the remaining hostages would be released, followed by negotiations on a permanent truce. Netanyahu rejected this approach on Saturday evening, reiterating that he “will not accept a partial agreement”.
Prefect to continue fighting in Gaza
Meanwhile, Israel is preparing for a new stage in its Gaza campaign. From Sunday, the FDI will begin to transfer tents and equipment sheltered in the south of Gaza to house hundreds of thousands of civilians who should be moved before an offensive to grasp Gaza City.
The coordinator of government activities in the territories (COGAT) has tweeted that the aid movement is designed to facilitate civil evacuation.
“In accordance with the political level directive, and as part of TDI preparations to move the population of the combat zones south of Gaza for their protection, the supply of tents and equipment brought to Gaza will resume tomorrow,” said Cogat. “The aid will be transferred through the Kerem Shalom Crossing by the UN and international organizations, following an in -depth security inspection.”
Trucks carrying humanitarian aid behaving near Rafah’s border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, in the middle of the current conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Rafah, Egypt, August 13, 2025. (Credit: String / Reuters)
Meanwhile, the Israelis have prepared for a general strike at the national level and demonstrations calling for an immediate agreement to bring the hostages home and put an end to war. The demonstrations started on Saturday evening on the place in hostage of Tel Aviv and in other cities.
The general strike is organized by the October Council – representative of the parents of hostages and fallen soldiers. Hundreds of municipalities, businesses, universities, technological companies and civic organizations have already promised participation. Events will start at 7 a.m. and include steps, speeches and gatherings throughout the day. Protest convoys should converge in Tel Aviv in the evening, leading to a walk with hostages from hostage Square, where a central gathering is scheduled for 8 p.m.
About 1,200 people were killed and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage during Hamas attacks against Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the 50 remaining hostages, about 30 are said to have died.
