Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that the Hamas terror group’s “obstinacy” was preventing a hostage-ceasefire deal in the Gaza Strip, as an Israeli defense source confirmed to The Times of Israel that officials have bandied about several potential next steps amid the impasse in negotiations, including beginning annexation of parts of the enclave.

After pulling their negotiators from talks in Qatar last week, US and Israeli leaders promised to explore new ways to bring home the 50 hostages still held in Gaza, 20 of whom are believed to be alive.

Netanyahu met Tuesday afternoon with top advisers to discuss the captives, with a picture published by his office showing he was joined by government hostage point man Gal Hirsch, political advisor Ophir Falk and chief of staff Tzachi Braverman.

After the meeting, Netanyahu posted a video message on X, in which he squarely blamed Hamas for the stalled negotiations.

The prime minister began by noting that, in addition to his Tuesday meeting, “There was a meeting [about the hostages] yesterday. Two days ago, there was a meeting. The day before that, there was a meeting, too.”

“Since the delegation returned from Qatar, we haven’t stopped trying,” he said. “But there is one major obstacle, and everyone knows it — Hamas. It remains obstinate in its refusal.”

“[United States] President Trump said it, [US special envoy Steve] Witkoff said it, we’re saying it — everyone who knows the facts, including the mediators, knows it,” Netanyahu continued.

“We are not letting up. We will continue to do everything we can — by one path or another. We are committed to bringing them home.”