These are the number of hostages Israel believes to be alive

Israel estimates that at least 21 more hostages remain in the captivity of terror in the Gaza Strip, according to Channel 14.

After the release of six live hostages yesterday (Saturday), a security consultation was held last night regarding the continuation of contacts with Hamas, and whether they will continue the deal towards the second stage – or not.

The Prime Minister convened a security consultation last night, with continued contacts with Hamas on the agenda. This followed the last phase that took place during the Sabbath, when the last six living hostages who were supposed to be included in the first phase of the deal returned to Israel.

As of now, it seems that Israel will refuse to continue with the second phase of the deal, at the end of which Hamas will continue to control the Gaza Strip and the war will stop. At the same time, Israel is trying to continue its contacts with Hamas and extend Phase 1 – which means the continuation of the temporary ceasefire with additional phases of the release of hostages.

Israel wants to continue to release as many of the living hostages as possible during the continuation of the deal. However, the decision to eliminate Hamas is final – and has only intensified in recent days after the story of the atrocities committed by Hamas with regard to the Bibas family.

Israel believes that after the release of the last living hostages of the first phase of the deal, Israel currently has more room to maneuver to exert pressure against Hamas, the likes of which we have not yet seen during the war. In this context, during the night, the Prime Minister's Office announced a delay in the release of the terrorists following Hamas' violations of the agreement – until the release of the fallen hostages is assured, which is set for Thursday at the latest.

In addition, the possibility of stopping the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza in the immediate term is being examined, and the possibility of stopping it immediately is also being considered. At the same time, Israel will demand the release of all the other hostages – with at least 21 believed to be alive. In addition, if Hamas agrees to the release of some of them, Israel will probably be willing to enter into negotiations that will lead to the release of some of the remaining hostages, but not all.