Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he expects to announce the release of hostages held in Gaza “in the coming days.”
In a televised address, Netanyahu reiterated that Hamas would eventually be disarmed and Gaza demilitarised, “either the easy way or the hard way,” stressing that Israel’s objectives would be achieved.
His remarks came shortly after Hamas said it had accepted a US peace plan to release hostages but sought further talks on other matters, omitting any reference to disarmament. The group also accused Israel of continuing “massacres” following new air strikes on Gaza on Saturday morning and urged the international community to pressure Israel.
Indirect ceasefire negotiations are scheduled to begin in Egypt on Monday.
US President Donald Trump warned Hamas against delaying the agreement, writing on his Truth Social platform that the group must act quickly “or all bets will be off.” He added that Israel had agreed to an “initial withdrawal line,” apparently referring to troop positions outlined in the US proposal.
The 20-point plan calls for an immediate halt to fighting and the release of 20 living Israeli hostages, as well as the remains of those believed to be dead, in exchange for hundreds of detained Palestinians. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on X that it had received orders to prepare for the plan’s first phase, stressing that the safety of its soldiers remained a “top priority.”
While Hamas agreed to release all hostages and to allow Gaza to be governed by technocrats, the group has not committed to disarming—one of Israel’s core demands.
In both Gaza and Israel, the proposal has sparked cautious optimism that a breakthrough could finally be within reach. Trump’s personal involvement has added urgency to the process, as he seeks to be seen as the figure who brought the war to an end. However, longstanding obstacles remain, including Hamas’ insistence on a full Israeli withdrawal and assurances that hostilities will not resume once hostages are freed.
Domestically, Netanyahu faces political pressure from ultranationalist ministers threatening to leave his coalition if the war ends without Hamas’ complete defeat, a move that could destabilize his government. Still, opinion polls indicate most Israelis support a deal to end the war and secure the hostages’ release, as the nation grows weary of prolonged conflict and diplomatic isolation.
Families of hostages have expressed a mix of hope and anxiety. Vicky Cohen, whose son Nimrod is among 20 captives believed to be alive in Gaza, said she woke up “hopeful but fearful something could go wrong.”
In Gaza, opinions on the proposal range from cautious optimism to skepticism. Some residents fear Israel might resume its offensive once hostages are freed, while others view the plan as a rare chance to end two years of devastation. “Don’t get carried away by optimism,” Gaza resident Ibrahim Fares told the BBC. “The devil is always in the detail.”
Despite calls from Trump to halt bombings, Israeli air strikes continued on Saturday, with three attacks on Gaza City killing at least one person and injuring several others, according to hospital sources. The Hamas-run health ministry reported 66 deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 67,074 since the conflict began.
The war erupted after Hamas’ assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which left about 1,200 people dead and 251 taken hostage. Nearly all of Gaza’s population has been displaced multiple times, and over 90% of homes are believed to be damaged or destroyed.
