The Hebrew newspaper Maariv reported that Netanyahu made phone calls to the mothers of three detainees—Tamir Nimrodi, Avinatan Or, and Eitan Horn—and briefed them on the efforts being made to recover their sons. He noted that the ongoing negotiations were "intense," and affirmed his commitment to the return of all detainees, whether alive or dead.
Netanyahu's statement coincided with Hamas' announcement that it was studying, with "high national responsibility," a new proposal presented by mediators Egypt and Qatar regarding a ceasefire and prisoner and detainee exchange, indicating that it would submit its response after completing internal consultations.
Cairo, in coordination with Qatar and the United States, succeeded in reaching a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in January 2025, which included a phased implementation of the agreement.
The Palestinian movement complied with the first phase, which lasted until early March, before Israel unilaterally announced the resumption of military operations on the 18th of the same month. Hebrew media reports considered this a response to the demands of the hardline wing of the Israeli government.
The number of Israeli detainees in Gaza is estimated at 59, of whom 24 are still alive, according to Israeli data. Meanwhile, Israel holds more than 9,500 Palestinians in its prisons, amid human rights and media reports of harsh detention conditions, including torture and medical neglect, which have led to the deaths of several detainees.
The last few hours have witnessed a widespread public pressure campaign within Israel, involving thousands of reserve soldiers and civilians from various sectors, who have called on the government to reach an agreement to return the detainees, even if it requires a ceasefire.