Netanyahu Says Israel In Talks With Hamas To End Gaza War But On This Condition
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Israel-Hamas War: Benjamin Netanyahu's remarks come as Israel intensified its military operations in Gaza to increase pressure on Hamas to accept a temporary ceasefire.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated a willingness to consider ending the conflict in Gaza is Hamas meets specific preconditions- a departure from previous Israeli stances when Tel Aviv largely focused on the complete dismantling of Hamas. A statement released by the Israeli Prime Minister's Office (PMO) revealed that Israel's negotiating team in Doha is 'exhausting every possibility" to reach an agreement with Hamas.
The ongoing talks, facilitated by Egypt and Qatar with US support, center on a proposal put forth by US envoy Steve Witkoff which outlines options ranging from a limited hostage exchange and temporary ceasefire to a comprehensive deal that would include the release of all hostages, the disarmament of Hamas, and the exile of its leaders.
'Even at this very moment, the negotiation team in Doha is working to exhaust every possibility for a deal – whether according to the (US special envoy Steve) Witkoff framework or as part of ending the fighting, which would include the release of all the hostages, the exile of Hamas terrorists, and the disarmament of the Gaza Strip," Benjamin Netanyahu's office stated.
Benjamin Netanyahu's remarks come as Israel intensified its military operations in Gaza to increase pressure on Hamas to accept a temporary ceasefire that would secure the release of remaining Israeli hostages. However, Israel has maintained that such a truce would not necessarily signify the end of the war.
Israel intensified airstrikes overnight, resulting in the deaths of at least 100 Palestinians, as it prepares for a potential ground offensive in parts of Gaza.
'We have at least 100 martyrs since overnight. Complete families were wiped off the civil registration record by Israeli bombardment," Gaza health ministry spokesperson Khalil Al-Deqran told Reuters.
Hamas, which has governed Gaza since 2007, insists that any ceasefire agreement must involve a complete Israeli military withdrawal and a clear pathway to ending the conflict.
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First Published:
May 18, 2025, 20:31 IST
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