Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has repeatedly called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to halt ceasefire negotiations and recall the delegation engaged in indirect talks with Hamas in Qatar. Following the killing of five Israeli soldiers in Gaza and an attempted kidnapping of an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier by Gazan militants, Ben-Gvir criticized ongoing negotiations for a hostage deal, arguing that such talks encourage further kidnappings and strengthen Hamas. He described Hamas as a "murderous terrorist organization" and urged a more aggressive approach, including expelling Gaza residents, building Jewish settlements in Gaza, and completely halting humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. Ben-Gvir also stated that the release of hostages would only occur through the destruction of Hamas and the occupation of Gaza, emphasizing that negotiations only serve to empower the group and prolong conflict.