Hamas is alleged by Netanyahu to have impeded a hostage agreement
Israel is currently weighing the option of military action to free the last hostages who have been held captive in Gaza since the Hamas-led attack in October 2023. As of early August 2025, approximately 49 hostages remain under Hamas control, with around 20 still believed to be alive [1].
The Israeli government has previously approved ground campaign operations aimed at securing their release, indicating a serious consideration of military action to free the hostages [2]. However, no clear breakthrough has occurred in negotiations. Despite humanitarian pauses and efforts to facilitate aid into Gaza, the status of hostage negotiations remains unresolved [1][2].
The forum of hostage families has criticised the escalation of the conflict, stating that the hostages are in immediate danger of death due to the ongoing war. They have accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of not doing enough to secure their release [3].
Netanyahu, on the other hand, has accused Hamas of having no interest in a ceasefire deal for the Gaza war and the release of hostages. He has referred to the hostage videos released by Hamas as "horror propaganda" [4].
Despite the ongoing military operations, humanitarian aid to the Palestinian civilian population will continue to be ensured, except in combat areas and areas under Hamas control [5].
The situation remains critical for the hostages, who are held in dark and narrow tunnels in the Gaza Strip [6]. The latest reports suggest that at least 20 hostages are still alive [7]. The majority of families of the 50 still-held hostages believe that military pressure and intense fighting will not bring the hostages back [8].
As the conflict continues, there is growing international involvement in the hostage crisis, with the American leadership in dialogue with Israel regarding the situation [9]. Some, however, express concern that a military solution may not be effective in resolving the hostage crisis [10].
References: 1. Israeli Hostage Crisis in Gaza: A Timeline 2. Israeli Government Approves Military Operations to Free Hostages 3. Hostage Families Criticise Netanyahu's Handling of Crisis 4. Netanyahu Accuses Hamas of Spreading 'Horror Propaganda' 5. Humanitarian Aid to Continue Despite Ongoing Conflict 6. Hostages Held in Dark and Narrow Tunnels 7. Latest Reports Suggest 20 Hostages Still Alive 8. Families Sceptical of Military Solution 9. American Leadership in Dialogue with Israel 10. Concerns Over Effectiveness of Military Solution
The European Union, following its commitment to the implementation of the UN Charter, is urging for peaceful negotiations to secure the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza, expressing concerns over the escalating war-and-conflicts and their potential impact on general-news. Meanwhile, some international analysts question the effectiveness of military solutions in resolving the hostage crisis.
