Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed hope on Saturday that hostages held by Hamas could return within days as negotiators traveled to Cairo for discussions aimed at ending nearly two years of conflict in Gaza. President Donald Trump warned he would not tolerate delays from the Palestinian militant group after it responded favorably to his proposal for freeing captives and governing post-war Gaza.
Israeli strikes persisted on Saturday despite Trump's call for a halt to bombardment following Hamas's announcement. The territory's civil defense agency reported at least 57 deaths since dawn. Netanyahu attributed Hamas's agreement to release captives to military and diplomatic pressure in a televised statement.
The premier said he hoped all hostages would return before the Sukkot holidays, which begin on Monday. He ordered negotiators to Egypt to finalize technical details while Cairo confirmed it would host Hamas delegates for talks on prisoner exchanges per Trump's proposal. Trump dispatched envoys JaredUshner and Steve Witkoff to Egypt on Saturday.
Hamas announced on Friday its approval for releasing all hostages according to the exchange formula in Trump's proposal. Trump praised the statement as evidence that the group sought lasting peace, but warned Hamas to move quickly or face consequences. Netanyahu insisted Hamas would be disarmed either through Trump's plan or military action.
Israeli strikes persisted on Saturday despite Trump's call for a halt to bombardment following Hamas's announcement. The territory's civil defense agency reported at least 57 deaths since dawn. Netanyahu attributed Hamas's agreement to release captives to military and diplomatic pressure in a televised statement.
The premier said he hoped all hostages would return before the Sukkot holidays, which begin on Monday. He ordered negotiators to Egypt to finalize technical details while Cairo confirmed it would host Hamas delegates for talks on prisoner exchanges per Trump's proposal. Trump dispatched envoys JaredUshner and Steve Witkoff to Egypt on Saturday.
Hamas announced on Friday its approval for releasing all hostages according to the exchange formula in Trump's proposal. Trump praised the statement as evidence that the group sought lasting peace, but warned Hamas to move quickly or face consequences. Netanyahu insisted Hamas would be disarmed either through Trump's plan or military action.
