Daily Management Review

Axios: Israel will agree to ceasefire only if all hostages are released


08/21/2025


Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer stated during a meeting with Qatari representatives, who are mediating the Gaza negotiations, that Israel will only accept a ceasefire if the remaining hostages in the area are freed, reported Axios referencing sources.



systemchange.nz
systemchange.nz
A source knowledgeable about the meeting indicated that Dermer stated Israel's requirements for the agreement align with the conditions for ending the conflict, namely the release of all hostages and the defeat of Hamas, the newspaper noted.

An Israeli senior official informed Axios that the discussion between Dermer and Qatari representatives occurred in a highly secretive setting, emphasizing that critical decisions need to be made now.

Axios notes that Hamas had earlier accepted a proposal from Egypt and Qatar - to free 10 living hostages and return the remains of 18 deceased in return for 60 days of halted conflict and the release of certain Palestinian prisoners by Israel. The mediators communicated Hamas's response to Israel, but the Israeli authorities have yet to reply.

source: axios.com