Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that Israel’s recent conflict with Iran had created new strategic opportunities, chief among them the potential return of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza since the October 7, 2023, attacks.
Speaking during a visit to Israel’s Shin Bet security service, Netanyahu described the conclusion of the 12-day war with Iran—ended June 24—as a “victory” that could now help achieve critical national goals.
Signs with images of hostages held in Gaza since the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas lean against a concrete barrier, which has graffiti reading in Hebrew “Netanyahu’s holocaust”, as demonstrators take part in a protest to demand the immediate release of the hostages, in Tel Aviv, Israel, June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Violeta Santos Moura
“First of all, to rescue the hostages,” Netanyahu said, according to a statement from his office. “Of course we will also have to solve the Gaza issue, to defeat Hamas, but I estimate that we will achieve both tasks.”
Hostage Families Welcome New Priority
Netanyahu’s remarks were met with cautious optimism by families of the 50 remaining hostages in Gaza. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters, a leading advocacy group, called it the first time the prime minister has publicly prioritized the hostages’ return.
“The families of the hostages welcome the fact that after 20 months, the return of the hostages has finally been designated as the top priority by the prime minister,” the group said in a statement.
Demonstrators take part in a protest to demand the immediate release of hostages held in Gaza since the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas, in Tel Aviv, Israel, June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Florion Goga
They urged Netanyahu to translate his statement into concrete action: “This is a very important statement that must translate into a single comprehensive deal to bring back all 50 hostages and end the fighting in Gaza.” Only 20 of the 50 are currently believed to be alive.
Political and Diplomatic Developments
The remarks came amid renewed speculation of a breakthrough in ceasefire negotiations. U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking Saturday, claimed that Netanyahu was “right now” negotiating a deal with Hamas, though neither side has confirmed this.
The United States has floated a proposal involving a 60-day ceasefire, the release of half the hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, and a phased return of the remaining hostages after a permanent ceasefire. Hamas has indicated willingness to resume talks but maintains demands for an end to the war and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Demonstrators take part in a protest to demand the immediate release of hostages held in Gaza since the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas, in Tel Aviv, Israel, June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Florion Goga
Israel, for its part, insists that the war cannot end unless Hamas is fully disarmed and dismantled—a position the group rejects.
Meanwhile, the Jerusalem District Court postponed Netanyahu’s scheduled testimony this week in his long-running corruption trial, citing classified diplomatic and security reasons. The delay further fueled speculation that efforts are underway behind the scenes to resolve the conflict.
Military and Humanitarian Crisis Continue
While diplomacy unfolds, military operations on the ground are intensifying. On Sunday, the Israeli military ordered new evacuations in northern Gaza ahead of fresh combat against Hamas forces.
A child looks on as Palestinians flee their homes with their belongings after the Israeli army issued evacuation orders, in Gaza City, June 29, 2025. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa
A Hamas official told Reuters the group had informed mediators it was ready to resume ceasefire talks, but reaffirmed the group’s outstanding demands that any deal must end the war and secure an Israeli withdrawal from the coastal territory.
The broader conflict began after Hamas militants killed 1,200 people and kidnapped 251 during their October 2023 attack, according to Israeli figures. Since then, more than 56,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza’s health ministry, with nearly the entire population of 2.3 million displaced and facing dire humanitarian conditions.
Israel’s military Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, said Friday that the outcome of the Iran conflict could help Israel achieve its objectives in Gaza. Additionally, Israeli strategic affairs minister Ron Dermer is expected at the White House on Monday for further discussions on both Iran and Gaza.
