Netanyahu Expresses Hope for Hostage Release Amid Ongoing Ceasefire Negotiations

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated his expectation to announce the release of hostages held in Gaza within the coming days. In a televised address, Netanyahu also asserted that “Hamas will be disarmed and Gaza will be demilitarised – either the easy way or the hard way, but it will be achieved.”

These comments follow a statement from Hamas on Friday, indicating their agreement to free hostages under a US-backed peace plan, though they did not address disarmament and sought negotiations on other terms. Hamas reported continued Israeli “massacres” on Saturday after morning strikes on Gaza, urging international pressure on Israel. Indirect ceasefire talks between the parties are scheduled to commence in Egypt on Monday.

US President Donald Trump emphasized that he would “not tolerate delay” from Hamas in finalizing a deal. In a Truth Social post, Trump warned, “Hamas must move quickly, or else all bets will be off… Let’s get this done, FAST.” He later indicated Israel’s agreement to the “initial withdrawal line,” presumably referring to lines of Israeli troop withdrawal outlined in the US plan. The 20-point proposal calls for an immediate halt to fighting and the release of 20 living Israeli hostages, along with the remains of those deceased, in exchange for hundreds of detained Gazans. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on X that it had issued an order “to advance readiness for the implementation of the first phase of the Trump plan for the release of the hostages,” prioritizing the safety of IDF troops.

Hamas, under pressure to accept parts of Trump’s plan, responded with a “yes but” approach. The group agreed to release all remaining Israeli hostages, both living and deceased, and for Gaza to be governed by technocrats. However, they notably omitted any mention of disarmament, a key Israeli demand. Both Gaza and Israel are experiencing cautious optimism that current efforts could lead to a breakthrough. Trump’s personal involvement is a significant new factor, as he seeks recognition for ending the conflict. He has publicly urged Hamas to accept the deal, threatening further military force, and recent indications suggest growing frustration with Israel’s leadership. Despite this, it remains uncertain if the ‘Trump effect’ will be sufficient to overcome long-standing obstacles, including Hamas’s demand for a full Israeli withdrawal and guarantees against a resumption of hostilities post-hostage release. The group understands its vulnerability without the hostages and will undoubtedly seek strong assurances. Suspicions also persist that Netanyahu has previously sabotaged peace efforts for political gain, supported by ultranationalist ministers who threaten to leave the coalition if the war concludes without Hamas’s total defeat, potentially collapsing the government. For now, the prime minister appears secure.

Domestically, polls consistently show that most Israelis favor a deal with Hamas for hostage release and an end to the war. The nation remains deeply divided, exhausted by the conflict, and increasingly isolated internationally. While there is significant momentum for a deal, its success is not guaranteed. Hostage families have expressed hope to the BBC, with Vicky Cohen, mother of Nimrod (one of 20 captives believed alive), conveying a mix of expectation and fear. “It is a fragile situation and we don’t want to be disappointed again. And yet I feel hope that soon I will see Nimrod and I can hug [him] again,” she shared.

Palestinian reactions in Gaza range from hope to deep suspicion. Some fear Hamas has fallen into a trap, believing Israel will reclaim hostages only to restart the war, while others see a historic opportunity to end two years of conflict. “Don’t get carried away by optimism,” Gaza resident Ibrahim Fares cautioned the BBC. “There will be rounds of talks over the details. The devil is always in the detail.”

Meanwhile, Israeli military strikes continue in Gaza, despite Trump’s social media message on Friday urging Israel to “immediately stop the bombing.” Three airstrikes hit Gaza City early Saturday, with one killing a person and wounding several others, according to medical sources at al-Shifa Hospital. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reported 66 fatalities from Israeli military operations in the past 24 hours, bringing the total since the war began to 67,074. International journalists have been barred by Israel from independent entry into the Gaza Strip since the war started nearly two years ago, complicating the verification of claims from both sides.

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