Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday said that Israel and the United States are considering "alternative options" to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza, while holding Hamas responsible for obstructing a potential ceasefire agreement, The Jerusalem Post reported.

"Hamas is the obstacle to a hostage release deal. Together with our US allies, we are now considering alternative options to bring our hostages home, end Hamas's terror rule, and secure lasting peace for Israel and our region," Netanyahu said in a statement.

According to The Jerusalem Post, the statement came following a meeting Netanyahu held with members of the small security cabinet, including the defense minister and senior security officials, to assess the negotiations and the ongoing war in Gaza.