On May 13, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated a willingness to consider a temporary ceasefire in Gaza to facilitate hostage release negotiations, but firmly rejected ending the war. Netanyahu stressed that the elimination of Hamas and the freeing of all hostages remain intertwined objectives.
Netanyahu's office announced that an Israeli delegation would travel to Qatar to discuss a potential ceasefire and prisoner exchange with Hamas. This follows the release of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander on May 12, 2025, after discussions with Washington, signaling a possible window for broader negotiations.
International Pressure and Legal Challenges
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister in November 2024, related to alleged war crimes in Gaza. Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning its actions in Gaza, with the ICJ granting Israel an extension until January 12, 2026, to file its defense.