Title: Netanyahu Aims for Hostage Release Amid Ongoing Conflict

TEL AVIV, Israel — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed optimism about announcing the release of all hostages from Gaza within the next few days. This statement comes as Israel and Hamas prepare for indirect negotiations in Egypt on a new U.S. plan aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.

In a brief statement made late Saturday, Netanyahu revealed that he has dispatched a delegation to Egypt to finalize technical details of the negotiations. He emphasized that the goal is to keep these discussions within a short time frame. However, he indicated that a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, a demand long sought by Hamas, is not on the table. Netanyahu stated that Israel's military will maintain control over certain territories in Gaza and that Hamas will be disarmed in a subsequent phase of the plan, either through diplomatic means or military action.

Netanyahu's comments followed Hamas's acceptance of some elements of the U.S. proposal. President Donald Trump welcomed this development but cautioned that “Hamas must move quickly, or else all bets will be off.” Trump also instructed Israel to cease its bombing of Gaza. Reports from Gaza City indicated a noticeable reduction in Israeli airstrikes on Saturday, although hospital officials confirmed that at least 22 people, including women and children, were killed.

The Israeli military stated that it has been directed to prepare for the first phase of the U.S. plan, shifting to a defensive posture in Gaza. An official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, noted that Israel would not conduct active strikes. Despite this, an Israeli airstrike in the Tuffah neighborhood of Gaza City resulted in at least 17 deaths and 25 injuries, according to Al-Ahli hospital director Fadel Naim.

As the second anniversary of the Hamas attack that initiated the conflict approaches on October 7, 2023, Trump appears determined to fulfill his commitments to end the war and secure the release of hostages. Netanyahu's office reiterated Israel's commitment to ending the conflict. The upcoming indirect talks are intended to facilitate the release of hostages from Gaza and Palestinians from Israeli detention, as stated by Egyptian mediators.

A senior Egyptian official confirmed that U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff will lead the U.S. negotiating team in Egypt. The discussions will also cover maps outlining the anticipated withdrawal of Israeli forces from specific areas in Gaza. Additionally, Arab mediators are preparing for a broader dialogue among Palestinians to unify their stance on Gaza's future.

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the second most powerful militant group in Gaza, has accepted Hamas's response after initially rejecting the U.S. plan. Under the proposed framework, Hamas would release the remaining 48 hostages—approximately 20 of whom are believed to be alive—within three days. In exchange, Israel would halt its military offensive, withdraw from significant portions of Gaza, release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, and allow humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts.

While Hamas has expressed a willingness to release hostages and transfer power to other Palestinian factions, it has not committed to disarmament, a critical aspect of the plan. Amir Avivi, a retired Israeli general, stated that while Israel can afford to pause its military actions temporarily for the hostages' release, it will resume operations if Hamas does not disarm.

Critics argue that Hamas's willingness to negotiate does not signify a change in its fundamental position. Oded Ailam, a researcher at the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs, noted that Hamas's rhetoric merely rephrases old demands.

Despite some dissent from right-wing members of Netanyahu's coalition, who criticized the plan's progress, they did not threaten to withdraw from the government. Meanwhile, a group representing families of hostages expressed cautious optimism, stating that the chance of reuniting with their loved ones has never been closer. They urged Trump to continue advocating for the plan and warned of potential sabotage from extremists on both sides.

Protests advocating for an end to the war have erupted across Europe. In Gaza, residents expressed concern that negotiations might collapse again. Sameer Qudeeh from Khan Younis stated, “We want practical implementation. We want a truce on the ground.” Another resident, Mohammad Shaat, added, “I hope Hamas ends the war, because we are truly tired.”

On Saturday, the Israeli army cautioned Palestinians against returning to Gaza City, labeling it a “dangerous combat zone.” Reports indicated that while Israeli tanks and troops had not advanced, artillery and airstrikes continued. The Palestine Red Crescent Society reported that its Saraya field hospital received 10 bodies and over 70 injured individuals following Israeli strikes.

Gaza's Health Ministry reported that the Palestinian death toll in the conflict has surpassed 67,000, with the latest figures including over 700 newly verified names. The ministry, which operates under the Hamas-run government, does not specify how many casualties are civilians or combatants but states that women and children comprise about half of the deceased. The U.N. and many independent experts regard the ministry's figures as the most reliable estimates of wartime casualties.