Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Thursday that Israel is prepared to negotiate a permanent ceasefire in Gaza during a proposed 60-day truce, contingent on the territory's complete demilitarization. The statement came during his visit to Washington, where he emphasized that Hamas must relinquish all military and governing authority for lasting peace.
"In order to achieve [a permanent ceasefire], Gaza must be demilitarized, and Hamas can no longer possess any governing or military capabilities," Netanyahu declared. His remarks follow renewed negotiations in Doha between Israeli and Hamas delegations, mediated by Qatar, to address a conflict that has claimed over 57,000 Palestinian lives since October 2023, according to Gaza health officials.
A U.S.-backed proposal outlined by Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff includes a temporary ceasefire and the release of 10 living hostages, alongside several deceased individuals. Approximately 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with 20 believed alive. Hamas, however, accused Netanyahu of obstructing progress, claiming it had previously offered to release all hostages in exchange for a permanent end to hostilities and unrestricted humanitarian aid access—a proposal Israel rejected.
As diplomatic efforts intensify, the humanitarian toll and stalled aid deliveries continue to draw global scrutiny, with regional stability hanging in the balance.
