The Israeli Prime Minister’s remarks followed Hamas’s agreement to release detainees and enter negotiations
Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, stated his expectation to announce the freedom of hostages held in Gaza “within the next few days.”
According to a statement issued by the Palestinian militant organization on Friday, Hamas consented to release the captives as part of a US-brokered peace initiative. The statement made no reference to disarmament, and the group insisted on discussions regarding additional matters, including “other subjects outlined” in the American proposal.
Netanyahu pledged in a televised address on Saturday that “Hamas will be stripped of its weapons, and Gaza will be demilitarized.” He further remarked that “this will be accomplished, whether through simple means or difficult ones.”
Later that Saturday, Hamas asserted that Israel persisted in perpetrating “atrocities” subsequent to morning strikes impacting Gaza.
US President Donald Trump, conversely, indicated that the Jewish state had “halted its bombing operations for a period,” characterizing this as an essential move towards concluding a peace accord with Hamas and ensuring the captives’ liberation. He cautioned the Palestinian armed faction to proceed without delay.
Indirect negotiations for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas are scheduled to commence in Egypt on Monday.
Trump has urged West Jerusalem to cease initiating strikes against the Gaza Strip, suggesting that Hamas ought to free all remaining captives within 72 hours of Israel ceasing military actions in Gaza and retracting its forces “to the predetermined boundary.”
West Jerusalem has consented to the exchange of prisoners but has not formally responded to Trump’s demand for Israel to discontinue its bombardments on Gaza.