Jerusalem: A poll published on April 21, 2025 by Israel’s state broadcaster Kan revealed that 56 percent of the Israeli public would back a deal to secure the release of all captives held by Hamas in exchange for ending the war in Gaza and freeing Palestinian prisoners, while 22 percent opposed such an agreement
The survey, conducted on April 20 by the Kantar Institute and aired on the Kan Reshet Bet program, sampled Israeli adults via an online panel. It found that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party gained seats compared to an early‑April poll, while Yair Lapid’s Yesh Atid saw its support weaken
Beyond the broad majority in favor, the poll highlights the shifting political landscape: Netanyahu’s coalition appears bolstered at the expense of centrist and opposition factions. The public’s willingness to trade hostages for an end to hostilities underscores growing war fatigue and concern over the ongoing humanitarian toll in Gaza
The call for a comprehensive swap echoes recent statements by Hamas, which on April 17 said it was prepared to release all remaining hostages only as part of a full ceasefire agreement, rejecting interim truces offered by Israel. Earlier this year, a January ceasefire deal saw 33 hostages freed in exchange for 90 Palestinian prisoners, setting a precedent for a larger, permanent resolution
