Title: Lapid: We Need to Reach a Deal

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid remarked that "if the choice is between stopping the fighting in Gaza or reaching a deal, we need to reach a deal." Earlier, families of Israeli hostages in Gaza responded to a video released by the Al-Qassam Brigades showing captives demanding the release from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, stating, "Israel must choose either Rafah or the deal." The families emphasized that "the war must end and a price must be paid, and entering Rafah is an additional sacrifice," considering that "the military pressure on Hamas has failed and we need to change our approach." A captive from the Al-Qassam Brigades stated to Netanyahu's government, "Sometimes we feel that you have abandoned us," clarifying, "I urge the Prime Minister and all the ministers to be flexible in negotiations to reach a near deal" regarding a ceasefire and prisoner exchange.