Israel’s Hostage Coordinator: Hamas Demands ‘Disconnected from Reality’

Israel’s Coordinator for the Captives and the Missing, Gal Hirsch, criticized Hamas’ demands for a hostage deal as unrealistic during an interview with CNN’s Alex Marquardt at the Munich Security Conference in Germany on Saturday. Hirsch emphasized the desire for an agreement but labeled Hamas’ expectations as far removed from reality.

Hamas’ ceasefire and hostage negotiation proposal outlined a three-part plan spanning four-and-a-half months. This plan included the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the release of hostages, and the freedom of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has outright rejected this proposal, echoing Hirsch’s sentiment by calling it “delusional.”

Netanyahu has consistently stated that the conflict in Gaza will persist until the Hamas leadership is defeated and the hostages are recovered.

Recent discussions have encountered significant obstacles, with reports from CNN suggesting U.S. officials are questioning Netanyahu’s current commitment to securing a hostage deal, especially in light of opposition from within his government to any compromise with Hamas.