Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a potential hostage deal with Hamas may be completed within days, which would trigger a proposed 60-day ceasefire.
Speaking from Washington after meetings with President Donald Trump, Netanyahu said Israel would negotiate during the truce—but only under strict terms: full demilitarization of Gaza and Hamas relinquishing control.
“If Hamas lays down its arms, this could end today,” he said.
Despite optimism, key issues remain unresolved. Hamas opposes continued Israeli military presence in Gaza and demands guarantees for long-term peace. Meanwhile, U.S. officials have reportedly assured mediators Israel will not resume fighting after the ceasefire—though Netanyahu insists Israel retains that right if Hamas fails to meet terms.
The deal would see 28 hostages—10 alive and 18 deceased—released in phases. Netanyahu emphasized all hostages are considered humanitarian cases and reiterated Israel’s goal: total defeat of Hamas through diplomacy or military force.
