Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel will negotiate a permanent ceasefire in Gaza only if Hamas disarms and Gaza is fully demilitarised.
“At the beginning of the ceasefire, we will enter negotiations for a permanent end to the war, that is, a permanent ceasefire,” Netanyahu said in a video message from Washington, where he is currently visiting.
“To achieve that, Hamas must surrender its weapons, Israel must demilitarise Gaza, and Israel must remove Hamas’s governing and military capabilities.”
Israel Delegates meet in Doha for Truce negotiations
Delegates from Israel and Hamas arrived in Doha, Qatar, on Sunday to discuss a temporary truce, according to Xinhua news agency.
The negotiations follow the Hamas-led attacks in October 2023, which triggered a large-scale Israeli military response.
Humanitarian toll in Gaza
Israel’s military offensive has left Gaza in ruins, with over 57,000 Palestinians killed, according to Gaza health officials.
Despite the heavy toll, Netanyahu defended the military operations.
“We have very great achievements in the fight against terror,” he stated, citing progress in both Gaza and the West Bank. “But there are also painful prices.”
Proposed deal includes hostage release
Netanyahu confirmed that a proposal presented by US Middle East envoy Hady Amr, not Steve Witkoff, involves a 60-day ceasefire.
The plan would secure the release of 10 living hostages and the return of several deceased captives.
Israeli estimates suggest about 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with roughly 20 believed to be alive.
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