NextFin news, On August 25, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly demanded a comprehensive ceasefire agreement to end the ongoing war in Gaza. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel would only accept a ceasefire if all 50 hostages held by Hamas were released simultaneously, rejecting partial deals.
The demand was made as Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) prepared for a large-scale ground offensive to occupy Gaza City, the largest urban area in the Gaza Strip. Israeli military tank units assembled near the southern border with Gaza on August 24, 2025, signaling imminent action. The offensive aims to dismantle Hamas's stronghold, which includes an extensive underground tunnel network.
Hamas, the Islamist militant group controlling Gaza, has refused to fully disarm and has conditioned the release of hostages on a ceasefire and the recognition of a Palestinian state. Hamas accepted a ceasefire proposal mediated by Egypt and Qatar, which included a 60-day truce and phased release of about half the hostages. However, Israel has not formally accepted this proposal, citing the demand for the release of all hostages at once.
Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defense Forces, reportedly stated that a deal for the hostages is on the table and that the military has created conditions for such an agreement. He indicated that the decision now rests with Prime Minister Netanyahu. The Israeli security cabinet was expected to discuss the latest ceasefire proposal on August 26, 2025.
Netanyahu's office reiterated that Israel's policy remains unchanged, demanding the release of all hostages and the disarmament of Hamas as conditions to end the war. Netanyahu has also vowed to defeat Hamas and has faced pressure from far-right coalition partners to continue the military campaign until Hamas is defeated and Gaza is annexed.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated sharply, with the United Nations and aid agencies warning of famine affecting over 500,000 people due to Israeli restrictions on food and aid entry. The Gaza health ministry, run by Hamas, reports over 62,000 Palestinian deaths since the conflict began in October 2023.
Mass demonstrations in Israel have called for an end to the war and the release of hostages. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum supports a comprehensive deal to bring home all remaining captives. Meanwhile, the Israeli military continues to intensify strikes on Gaza City in preparation for the planned ground operation.
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