A former Israeli official has proposed a dual approach as “the only way” to secure the release of hostages taken by Hamas during the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks.

“Currently, I believe Israel must announce that it will no longer engage in negotiations as it has so far. Following this, it must implement a twofold plan,” Yossi Amrusi, a former senior Shin Bet official, explained to the Israeli outlet Maariv, affiliated with The Jerusalem Post.

“Firstly, Israel should strive to create a distinction between Gazans and Hamas by setting up designated humanitarian zones,” he suggested. “This strategy would also allow control over humanitarian aid, ensuring it doesn’t fall in the hands of Hamas. Secondly, since it’s believed that the locations of the hostages are known, there should be direct negotiations with those detaining the hostages. Israel should offer incentives such as money and guarantees of safety in exchange for the hostages.”

Amrusi argued that Hamas benefits from the prolonged negotiations and questioned whether anyone remaining in Gaza has the authority to make decisions. 

“While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith,” Witkoff wrote on X. “We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza. It is a shame that Hamas has acted in this selfish way. We are resolute in seeking an end to this conflict and a permanent peace in Gaza.” 

In a statement released by his office, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed Witkoff, saying, “Hamas is the obstacle to a hostage release deal.”

“Together with our U.S. allies, we are now considering alternative options to bring our hostages home, end Hamas’s terror rule, and secure lasting peace for Israel and our region,” he said. 

Egypt and Qatar, which are mediating the talks alongside the United States, said the pause was only temporary and that talks would resume, though they did not say when.

Meeting with President Donald Trump at his golf course in Scotland on Monday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer came determined to press the U.S. to take a larger role in helping quell what he called a “desperate situation” amid increasing reports of starvation in Gaza as the Israel-Hamas war rages. 

Trump at first lamented that the U.S. had not gotten enough credit for previously providing food aid. He shifted his tone when reporters questioned him about images of emaciated children from Gaza.

When asked if he agreed with Netanyahu’s recent remarks about concerns of mass starvation in Gaza being overstated, he replied, “I don’t know. I mean, based on television, I would say not particularly because those children look very hungry.”

Starmer added, “I think people in Britain are revolted at seeing what they are seeing on their screens.”

Trump said Israel “has a lot of responsibility” for what’s happening but is hampered by what its actions might mean for the prospects of Israeli hostages Hamas has been holding since it attacked Israel in 2023.

“I think Israel can do a lot,” Trump said, adding of Netanyahu, “I want him to make sure they get the food.” 

Israel, meanwhile, has maintained that it is doing what it can to get humanitarian aid to Gazans. The country’s foreign ministry shared a video on Tuesday of what it says is Hamas “violently looting” aid, keeping it from civilians. 

The foreign ministry also called out major media outlets for sharing an image of an emaciated Palestinian child, implying that the boy’s condition is the result of starvation. Israel identified the boy as Osama al-Raqab, who suffers from cystic fibrosis. The ministry said Israel enabled him to go to Italy for treatment, while the media used his appearance to demonize the Jewish state.

“This is what a modern blood libel looks like,” the ministry said.