Alexander Dancyg, 76, was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz, while Yagev Buchshtab, 35, was taken from Kibbutz Nirim.

Hamas terrorists have embedded themselves among the civilian population, firing rockets at Israel and attacking troops.

Neighbors of the hostage-holders in Nuseirat express self-pity, not sorrow for the captives next door.

The announcement did not specify where the talks would be held.

The campaign in Gaza will help Israel realize “our demand to release a maximum number of hostages already during the first stage,” the premier said.

Some 14,000 fighters have been killed or arrested in over nine months of combat operations in Gaza, according to the Israeli military.

The Hamas leader in Gaza is believed by U.S. intelligence to be hiding in the tunnels underneath Khan Younis.

The images show Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Agam Berger, Daniella Gilboa and Naama Levy shortly after they were abducted from their base in Nahal Oz.

The terrorist groups in Gaza are “paying huge prices and their ability to rebuild is very limited,” said the Israeli defense minister.