Israeli opposition leader Benny Gantz called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday to prioritize the recovery of captives from Gaza, urging him to avoid further escalation by sending settlers into the Strip.

Speaking to FM 103 radio, Gantz criticized Netanyahu's strategy and pressed for a temporary ceasefire to facilitate the captives' return.

"We must get the hostages out of Gaza and not allow other settlers to enter the strip," Gantz said. "We have blessed settlements in Judea and Samaria [the West Bank], so let us preserve them. We have nothing to look for in Gaza except the hostages and security."

Calls for Leadership and Clarity

Gantz, a former security minister and War Cabinet member, urged Netanyahu to devise a clear plan for the release of the captives, who are estimated to number 101 according to Israeli sources. Hamas has claimed that dozens of captives have died in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza.

"I say to Netanyahu: Make a plan and start suspending the fighting until this plan is realized," Gantz added. "If he intends to release the hostages, let him do it, and if he cannot, let him say so."

Gantz's remarks come amid growing frustration from opposition figures and families of the captives, who accuse Netanyahu of prioritizing political survival over the captives' return. Reports suggest that extremist ministers in Netanyahu's coalition government have threatened to withdraw their support if he agrees to a ceasefire or withdraws from Gaza.

Read more: Al-Qassam Brigades announce death of Israeli captive

Rising Casualties and International Condemnation

The war on Gaza, which was sparked a year ago after the onset of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, has escalated into a humanitarian crisis. The Israeli onslaught has resulted in the deaths of nearly 44,300 Palestinians, most of them women and children, with over 104,700 injured.

"Israel's" actions have drawn widespread international condemnation, with institutions and figures holding the regime responsible for acts of genocide.

Last week, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Security Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, "Israel" faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Gaza Ceasefire to resume?

Earlier today, a senior Palestinian official told Al Mayadeen that Cairo is set to host talks with Hamas to discuss Egypt’s efforts to resume negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Hamas official Osama Hamdan stated that the Palestinian Resistance is focused on ending aggression and rejected temporary truces that fail to meet Palestinian demands, accusing "Israel" of attempting to achieve through negotiations what it failed to accomplish militarily.

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden announced that "Israel" and Lebanon had accepted a US-brokered ceasefire agreement, marking what he called a step toward a "peaceful and prosperous" Middle East. Biden also indicated plans to restart efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza, with support from Egypt, Turkey, Qatar, and the Israeli occupation, while seeking normalization between Tel Aviv and Riyadh.