Israel, Jerusalem:  On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the conditions for securing the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza are "approaching readiness."

Netanyahu made this announcement during a meeting with the families of the Israeli captives in Gaza, ahead of his official visit to Washington. He explained that the anticipated hostage swap deal with the Palestinians is becoming more feasible due to intense pressure being applied on Hamas.

The Israeli leader emphasized that the deal would be executed in phases rather than all at once. He asserted, "I am not willing to compromise on our victory over Hamas. Surrendering would place us at risk from Iran’s entire axis of evil."

Hamas is reported to be holding approximately 120 Israeli hostages following their attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.

In Israel, protests have erupted demanding that Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government finalize a prisoner swap agreement with Hamas. The Palestinian group insists that an end to Israel’s offensive on Gaza is a prerequisite for any hostage exchange.

Indirect negotiations mediated by the US, Qatar, and Egypt have yet to achieve a permanent cease-fire or a comprehensive prisoner swap agreement. Netanyahu’s refusal to agree to Hamas' demands for a halt in hostilities has hindered progress.

Despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire, Israel has continued its aggressive operations in Gaza, drawing widespread international criticism. Since the October 7 attack, more than 39,000 Palestinians have been killed, predominantly women and children, with nearly 90,000 injured, according to local health sources.

After over nine months of conflict, Gaza remains devastated, with severe shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies. The International Court of Justice has accused Israel of genocide and ordered an immediate halt to its military actions in Rafah, where over 1 million Palestinians had sought refuge before the area was invaded on May 6.