Netanyahu pushes for expanded Gaza offensive to release hostages

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing for a “military solution” to free the remaining hostages held by Hamas, signaling a potential escalation of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, an Israeli official told ABC News on August 3.

With negotiations at a standstill and hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough fading, Netanyahu has proposed expanding military operations to extract the final hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. About 20 hostages are still believed to be alive, Caliber.Az reports. 

“There is a growing understanding on the Israeli side that Hamas is not interested in a deal on the hostages,” the official said. “Therefore, Prime Minister Netanyahu is pushing to expand military operations to release the hostages through a military solution.”

Despite ongoing dialogue between Israeli and US officials, pressure is mounting at home. On August 2, thousands of demonstrators filled the streets of Tel Aviv, calling on the government to end the war and secure the hostages' release.

“They are on the absolute brink of death,” said Ilay David, whose brother, Evyatar David, is believed to be among those still in captivity. “In the current unimaginable condition, they may have only days left to live.”

His warning came after Hamas released a video showing Evyatar David appearing emaciated and frail.

The protest erupted just hours after Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witcoff, met in Israel with families of the remaining hostages.

Meanwhile, earlier Netanyahu said he spoke with Julien Lerisson, the regional head of the International Committee of the Red Cross, on August 3, urging him to facilitate food and medical care for the hostages inside Gaza.

International aid agencies have long warned of a deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health has reported a rising number of deaths due to malnutrition, and the United Nations has said famine is "imminent" in parts of the enclave.

By Sabina Mammadli