Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking from Washington during his visit, said on Thursday that Israel is prepared to negotiate a permanent ceasefire in Gaza if the enclave is fully demilitarized.
"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. He added that Hamas must lay down its arms and lose both governing and military capabilities for talks to move forward.
Delegations from Israel and Hamas arrived in Doha, Qatar, to discuss a proposed 60-day truce put forth by U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. Under the deal, a temporary ceasefire would secure the release of 10 living hostages and several deceased. About 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with Israel believing around 20 are still alive.
Since the October 2023 Hamas-led attack, Israel's military offensive has devastated Gaza, with Gaza health officials reporting more than 57,000 Palestinian casualties. The proposed truce aims to open humanitarian corridors for aid deliveries and ease the humanitarian crisis in the densely populated territory.
Hamas issued a statement on Thursday evening accusing Netanyahu of obstructing both a ceasefire and the release of hostages. Hamas says it previously offered to free all Israeli captives in exchange for an end to hostilities and guaranteed aid access, but that Israel rejected the terms.
As talks continue, global attention remains focused on whether both sides can bridge their conditions and bring lasting relief to civilians in Gaza amid one of the worst humanitarian emergencies of the decade.
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Netanyahu says Israel ready to discuss permanent Gaza ceasefire
cgtn.com
