SRINAGAR: Israeli forces continued intense air and ground operations across the Gaza Strip as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signaled that a deal to release Israeli hostages held by Hamas could be finalised within days.
Netanyahu, speaking during a visit to Washington, said negotiations were progressing and expressed hope for an imminent agreement: “I hope we can complete it in a few days,” he told Newsmax, adding that the deal could see the release of half of the living hostages and half of those confirmed dead.
The proposed arrangement reportedly involves a 60-day ceasefire during which the first group of hostages would be released. This period would be used to try to negotiate a broader end to the conflict. Netanyahu emphasised that Israel’s military campaign would resume if Hamas does not meet the terms, stating, “We were told, ‘You will not return to war,’ after the first ceasefire, and we did return. We were told ‘You will not resume your fight,’ after the second ceasefire, and we did”.
Despite the ongoing talks, Israeli military operations have not slowed, with strikes targeting more than 100 sites in Gaza, according to the Israeli military. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with the enclave’s health ministry reporting over 57,000 Palestinian fatalities since the war began last October.
US officials, including President Trump and his Middle East envoy, have expressed optimism that a temporary ceasefire and hostage release deal could be reached soon. However, sources familiar with the negotiations note that key issues remain unresolved, and mediators in Qatar caution that more time may be needed to finalize the agreement.
If achieved, the deal would mark the third ceasefire since hostilities erupted in October 2023, following a deadly Hamas attack on southern Israel that killed around 1,200 people and led to the abduction of 251 hostages. About 50 hostages are believed to remain in Gaza, with only 20 thought to be alive.
As diplomatic efforts continue, Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s dual goals: to defeat Hamas militarily and secure the release of all hostages. The coming days are seen as critical for both the fate of the hostages and the prospects for a longer-term cessation of violence in Gaza.
