Netanyahu aims to announce release of all Gaza hostages in the coming days
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he hopes to announce the release of all hostages held in Gaza “in the coming days” as Israel and Hamas prepare for indirect talks in Egypt on Monday regarding a new U.S. plan to end the conflict. Netanyahu said a delegation has been sent to Egypt to finalize technical details, aiming to complete the negotiations within a few days.
Netanyahu stressed that the plan would not include a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, a key demand of Hamas. He said Israel would retain control over certain territories in Gaza, while Hamas would be disarmed in a second phase, either diplomatically or through military action. The remarks came after Hamas signaled acceptance of parts of the U.S. proposal. President Donald Trump welcomed the statement but warned that Hamas must act quickly or risk losing the opportunity. Trump indicated that the ceasefire would begin immediately once Hamas confirms the “initial withdrawal line” in Gaza, though maps circulated on social media suggested much of Gaza would remain accessible to Israeli forces.
Some easing of Israeli strikes was reported in Gaza City, but attacks continued in certain areas, including Tuffah, where at least 17 people were killed and 25 were injured. Israeli officials said their forces targeted a Hamas member and regretted any harm to civilians. Earlier, Israeli strikes killed five more Palestinians across Gaza City, according to hospital officials.
The Monday talks in Egypt are intended to pave the way for the release of hostages and Palestinians from Israeli detention, with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff leading the American negotiating team. The discussions will also cover maps outlining potential Israeli withdrawals from parts of Gaza. Arab mediators are reportedly working to unify Palestinian positions on Gaza’s future.
Under the U.S. plan, Hamas would release the remaining 48 hostages—about 20 believed to be alive—within three days and hand over power, while Israel would halt offensive operations, release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, and allow humanitarian aid and eventual reconstruction. Hamas expressed willingness to release the hostages and transfer power but said other elements of the plan, including demilitarization, require further consultations.
Israeli officials have said their military can maintain a temporary ceasefire to facilitate the hostages’ release, but would resume operations if Hamas does not disarm. Analysts caution that Hamas’s position remains largely unchanged, framing its statements as repackaged demands.
While some members of Netanyahu’s coalition criticized the negotiations, they did not signal immediate withdrawal from the government. Families of hostages expressed cautious optimism, saying the chance of reunions has “never been closer,” and called on Trump to continue pushing the plan despite potential interference from extremists on both sides.
Amid the talks, protests have erupted across Europe calling for an end to the conflict. Meanwhile, Palestinians in Gaza expressed fatigue and frustration, urging practical truce measures. Israeli authorities warned civilians to avoid Gaza City due to ongoing military operations, though some residents reported that tanks and troops had not advanced while shelling and airstrikes continued.
In southern Gaza, field hospitals treated dozens of injured residents, and the Palestinian Health Ministry reported that the death toll from the conflict has surpassed 67,000, including more than 700 recently verified fatalities. Women and children account for roughly half of those killed. The ministry, part of the Hamas-run government, provides figures considered among the most reliable estimates of casualties in the war.
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