Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that efforts are underway to secure a new hostage deal and temporary ceasefire in Gaza. “We’re working now on another deal that we hope will succeed,” Netanyahu said, emphasizing the urgency of freeing the remaining captives taken during the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack.
According to reports, Egypt has proposed a new truce deal that would see eight living hostages and the bodies of eight more returned in exchange for a large number of Palestinian prisoners and a 40–70-day ceasefire. However, Israeli officials say no formal proposal has been received.
The October 7 attack killed around 1,200 people and saw 251 hostages taken into Gaza. Previous ceasefires have led to the release of over 100 hostages, with negotiations continuing intermittently since.
Speaking from the White House, former President Donald Trump expressed optimism, saying the war in Gaza would likely end “not in the too distant future.” He praised Netanyahu’s efforts, calling him “a great leader” working hard to resolve the hostage crisis.
Trump also reiterated his controversial vision for Gaza, including the idea of a U.S.-led peacekeeping force and criticism of Israel’s 2005 withdrawal from the Strip. “Gaza is a dangerous death trap,” he said.
Netanyahu added that talks are ongoing with countries willing to accept displaced Gazans, though he did not name them.
Despite international calls for peace, a permanent solution remains elusive as military operations continue and ceasefire talks stall over future phases of the agreement.
