Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday he expects to announce hostage releases from Gaza within days after Hamas agreed to free captives under a U.S. peace proposal on Friday. The Palestinian group accepted the plan but omitted disarmament language and requested negotiations on unspecified issues. Netanyahu insisted on Saturday that Hamas must disarm through cooperative or forceful means and stated that Gaza will undergo demilitarization.
President Donald Trump reported on Saturday that Israel temporarily suspended bombardment as a vital measure toward finalizing agreements and freeing hostages. Indirect ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas begin on Monday in Egypt. Trump proposed that Hamas release all hostages within 72 hours after Israel stops military operations and withdraws forces to predetermined positions. Israel accepted prisoner exchanges but has not formally responded to Trump's strike suspension request.
President Donald Trump reported on Saturday that Israel temporarily suspended bombardment as a vital measure toward finalizing agreements and freeing hostages. Indirect ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas begin on Monday in Egypt. Trump proposed that Hamas release all hostages within 72 hours after Israel stops military operations and withdraws forces to predetermined positions. Israel accepted prisoner exchanges but has not formally responded to Trump's strike suspension request.
