While PM still mum, ‘senior Israeli official’ reiterates after Hamas response that partial deals a no-go

A senior Israeli official reiterates that Israel’s commitment to a comprehensive ceasefire and hostage-release framework “has not changed,” a day after Hamas agreed to a partial ceasefire and hostage-release deal.

“Israel’s policy is consistent and has not changed. Israel demands the release of all 50 hostages in accordance with the principles set by the cabinet for ending the war. We are at the final stage of decisively defeating Hamas, and we will not leave any hostage behind,” the official says in a statement.

The remark echoes a nearly identical statement delivered last night by a senior official in response to the latest proposal — which reportedly represents a significant scaling back of the demands Hamas made last month that derailed talks in Doha.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has since underscored that Israel is moving ahead with plans for an expanded military campaign in Gaza, insisting Hamas is under “immense pressure.” In recent days, he has repeatedly emphasized that Israel will only accept a comprehensive agreement that includes the release of all hostages, Hamas’s disarmament, the Strip’s demilitarization, continued Israeli security control, and governance by a body other than the Palestinian Authority.

Notably, however, Netanyahu has not publicly ruled out the partial deal being advanced by Arab mediators since reports emerged of Hamas’s acceptance — a signal that Jerusalem is still keeping its options open.