Netanyahu Highlights Hostage Release Prospects After Iran War Amid Gaza Conflict

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel's recent 12-day war with Iran has created significant strategic opportunities, particularly for the rescue of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. He emphasized that while defeating Hamas and resolving the Gaza conflict remain critical, priority is now given to freeing the roughly 50 hostages, a stance welcomed by advocacy groups and reflecting growing U.S. pressure for a negotiated ceasefire. U.S. President Donald Trump has also urged for a swift deal to end the Gaza conflict and secure the hostages' release, hoping for a ceasefire within days. Despite optimism, officials caution that no breakthrough has been formally reached, with ongoing indirect talks and diplomatic efforts, including meetings in Washington and potential delegations to Cairo. Netanyahu highlighted broader regional possibilities opening up after the Iran conflict, including potential normalization of relations with other countries in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Israeli military operations in Gaza continue amid reports of civilian casualties, underscoring the conflict's ongoing severity despite diplomatic progress.