Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed hope to announce the release of hostages currently held in Gaza 'in the coming days.' During a televised address, Netanyahu declared that 'Hamas will be disarmed and Gaza will be demilitarized – either the easy way or the hard way, but it will be achieved.' His remarks came following a statement from Hamas agreeing to release hostages under a U.S. peace plan, although they did not address disarmament or additional negotiation matters.
Hamas issued a statement accusing Israel of committing 'massacres' amid ongoing strikes and demanded global pressure for an end to violence. Indirect ceasefire negotiations are set to commence in Egypt on Monday.
U.S. President Donald Trump urged Hamas to expedite hostage negotiations, warning that delays would not be tolerated. Trump indicated Israel had consented to initial withdrawal arrangements outlined in the proposed peace plan.
The 20-point plan seeks an immediate ceasefire and the release of 20 living Israeli hostages held by Hamas alongside the remains of those believed dead, in exchange for a larger number of Gazans.
As Hamas faces pressure to compromise on the deal, there remains uncertainty about disarmament, a significant sticking point for Israel. Despite Netanyahu’s comments, skepticism lingers regarding Hamas's willingness to disarm completely.
Domestically, many Israelis support a resolution that would facilitate the release of hostages and the cessation of war, despite the divided sentiments in Israel about the government's handling of the conflict. Families of captives share a mix of hope and anxiety, with Vicky Cohen, whose son is among those held, expressing cautious optimism yet fearing potential disappointment.
The ongoing violence complicates the scenario, as air strikes continue to target Gaza amidst international calls for restraint. Since the Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023, significant casualties have been reported in Gaza, producing a humanitarian crisis amid the conflict's prolonged nature.
Hamas issued a statement accusing Israel of committing 'massacres' amid ongoing strikes and demanded global pressure for an end to violence. Indirect ceasefire negotiations are set to commence in Egypt on Monday.
U.S. President Donald Trump urged Hamas to expedite hostage negotiations, warning that delays would not be tolerated. Trump indicated Israel had consented to initial withdrawal arrangements outlined in the proposed peace plan.
The 20-point plan seeks an immediate ceasefire and the release of 20 living Israeli hostages held by Hamas alongside the remains of those believed dead, in exchange for a larger number of Gazans.
As Hamas faces pressure to compromise on the deal, there remains uncertainty about disarmament, a significant sticking point for Israel. Despite Netanyahu’s comments, skepticism lingers regarding Hamas's willingness to disarm completely.
Domestically, many Israelis support a resolution that would facilitate the release of hostages and the cessation of war, despite the divided sentiments in Israel about the government's handling of the conflict. Families of captives share a mix of hope and anxiety, with Vicky Cohen, whose son is among those held, expressing cautious optimism yet fearing potential disappointment.
The ongoing violence complicates the scenario, as air strikes continue to target Gaza amidst international calls for restraint. Since the Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023, significant casualties have been reported in Gaza, producing a humanitarian crisis amid the conflict's prolonged nature.
