Rival political factions push for collaborative government to negotiate hostage release for Netanyahu

In the ongoing standoff between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition leader Benny Gantz, the fate of hostages held in the Gaza Strip hangs in the balance.

Netanyahu has made it clear that he is only willing to negotiate an agreement that includes the release of all remaining hostages and ends the conflict on Israel's terms. This requires Hamas to lay down its arms, showing no openness to partial agreements or a transitional government for this purpose.

However, the chances of a joint transitional government between Gantz and Netanyahu for the release of hostages remain extremely low. Gantz, on the other hand, has called on other opposition politicians to join him in a "hostage release government" for half a year.

The security cabinet is set to meet on Tuesday to make a final decision on the plans for the military takeover of the city of Gaza. Israeli soldiers have already advanced into suburbs of the coastal city, with reports of their presence in the neighborhood of Sabra, near a school building.

The evacuation of Gaza is planned before the anticipated offensive. Aid organizations have warned of a further deterioration of the already catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza if an offensive occurs.

Meanwhile, Hamas announced on Monday that it had agreed to a new mediator's proposal for a ceasefire. Netanyahu, however, has so far rejected any agreement with Hamas over a ceasefire.

Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan was kidnapped in 2023, has appealed to the Israeli public to pressure Netanyahu to sign a deal for the return of ten living hostages and 18 bodies. Zangauker accused Netanyahu of deliberately sabotaging a deal with Hamas and sentencing the hostages to death by charging towards the takeover of Gaza.

Relatives of the hostages, along with thousands of protesters, have demanded a ceasefire and warned that a military takeover of Gaza could endanger the lives of the hostages.

The IPC initiative has declared a famine in the city of Gaza and some neighboring areas, but Netanyahu has dismissed this report as "a flat-out lie." The Israeli account suggests that the IPC assessment is based on false information from Hamas.

In a bid to secure the release of hostages, Gantz has proposed a joint transitional government with Netanyahu. Gantz stated that the hostages are in mortal danger and their time is running out. Elections would then be held in the spring, according to Gantz.

As the situation in Gaza remains volatile, both sides continue to dig their heels in, with the lives of the hostages hanging in the balance.

Rival political factions push for collaborative government to negotiate hostage release for Netanyahu