Indirect talks between Hamas and Israeli delegations began in Doha on Sunday, as part of renewed efforts to reach a temporary halt in the war, which has killed nearly 58,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's health ministry.

Netanyahu said a proposal from US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff outlines a 60-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of half of the remaining 20 living captives still held in Gaza.

"At the beginning of this ceasefire, we will enter negotiations for a permanent end to the war," Netanyahu said in a video statement from Washington.

He said Israel’s conditions for any lasting deal include Hamas laying down its arms and being stripped of both “governing and military capabilities.”

"If this can be achieved through negotiations, great. If it cannot be achieved within 60 days, we will achieve it through other means—by using force, the force of our heroic army," he said.

Hamas, which said on Wednesday it had agreed to release 10 captives, rejected any deal involving a continued large Israeli military presence in Gaza. It also demanded unrestricted aid entry and “real guarantees” for a lasting peace.

Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s demand for the release of all captives. “We will do everything in order to maximise (the number of those released) in this round, in the best way possible. Not everything is in our hands,” he said.

Follow us on:

Facebook

Instagram

Whatsapp