During a meeting with US House Speaker Mike Johnson, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the need to "destroy" Hamas for peace in Gaza and the broader region. This statement follows President Trump's controversial proposal to "take over" the Gaza Strip, raising concerns among hostage families and mediators about the potential impact on ongoing negotiations for the release of captives held by the terrorist group.

Netanyahu's strong words come after meetings with President Trump and US lawmakers, where discussions focused on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and eliminating Hamas. He stressed the impossibility of a peaceful future for Gaza if Hamas continues to operate there.

The father of American-Israeli hostage Itay Chen, an IDF soldier captured during the October 7th conflict, expressed concern, urging Netanyahu to prioritize the hostages' release above all else. He emphasized Netanyahu's responsibility for the events leading to the hostage crisis and the need for their safe return.

Hamas, along with numerous international actors, rejected Trump's Gaza proposal. Adding to the tension, Hamas delayed the scheduled release of additional hostages, initially planned for Saturday under the ceasefire agreement. The delay has fueled worries that the rhetoric surrounding Trump and Netanyahu's meeting might jeopardize the fragile truce and further hinder the release of captives.

After a significant delay, Hamas finally named three hostages to be released: Eli Sharabi, Or Levy, and Ohad Ben Ami, each with tragic connections to the violence. The delay and surrounding circumstances have added to the anxiety and uncertainty surrounding the hostage situation.

Only 13 of the 33 hostages initially designated for release in the first phase of the ceasefire have been freed. The fates of several hostages, including Shiri Bibas and her two young children, remain unknown, despite claims by Hamas that they perished in an Israeli airstrike. Negotiations for the release of the remaining hostages are scheduled to continue in Qatar, though this process has already been delayed by a week.

Netanyahu, who will remain in Washington D.C. through the weekend, considers Hamas' delay in naming hostages for release a serious breach of the ceasefire agreement. Reports suggest Netanyahu presented Trump with a plan to end the Gaza conflict, contingent on Hamas relinquishing power and its leaders accepting exile, although Netanyahu's office has denied these claims.