Dozens of IDF reservists were suspended after they demanded a hostage deal. Suspended reservists had refused to continue service unless Israel negotiates. A letter signed by 130 reservists urged govt to secure release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
Letter sent to Netanyahu, senior IDF officials urged govt to prioritise hostage release deal. Reservists were suspended over phone calls after a letter called for negotiations: Haaretz. Several signatories described calls as 'threatening' or 'reprimanding': Haaretz. Nearly 100 hostages are estimated to be still held by Hamas in Gaza. Some hostages were released in the previous deal and several were killed by Hamas and IDF airstrikes.
Negotiations stuck over the Israeli PM's demand for control over Philadelphi corridor. Netanyahu claims control over Gaza-Egypt border crucial to prevent arms supply to militants. Hamas insists on the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza for any deal. Mounting pressure on govt from within Israel to reach hostage release agreement. Families of hostages and activists have staged massive protests in Israel demanding deal.