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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the mother of an Israeli hostage that Hamas determines which hostages are included in any potential release deal, according to a statement released by an advocacy group on Tuesday.
Netanyahu spoke Monday night with Ditsa Or, the mother of Avinatan Or, one of the hostages held in Gaza. During the call, he updated her on ongoing negotiations for a hostage deal, the Tikva Forum, an organization representing the families of hostages, said in a statement.
According to the group, Netanyahu said that under the terms of a developing agreement, up to ten living hostages could be released, including Edan Alexander.
Ditsa Or urged the prime minister to ensure the return of all hostages in a single phase, calling it a moral imperative. She expressed concern that staggered releases create heightened tensions among the families of those still held captive.
When asked how the names are selected for each release, Netanyahu responded that Hamas is the party that determines which hostages are included in the lists, the statement said.