Egypt Daily News – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Thursday that Israel is willing to engage in negotiations for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza if a proposed 60-day truce is implemented, a notable shift in tone amid continued indirect talks in Doha.
In a video message recorded in Washington, Netanyahu stated, “At the start of a 60-day ceasefire, we will begin negotiations toward ending this war permanently.”
However, he conditioned any long-term ceasefire on Hamas disarming. Without such an agreement during the truce, Netanyahu warned, Israel would resume military operations in Gaza.
“Hamas must lay down its weapons. Gaza must be demilitarized. Hamas can no longer retain military capabilities or governing power,” Netanyahu asserted.
He added, “If this can be achieved through negotiations, that would be preferable. If not, we will achieve it by other means with the strength of our brave army.”
Ongoing Talks and Hostage Crisis
Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas brokered primarily by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. are continuing in Doha, with international mediators aiming to secure a temporary halt to the fighting and reach a more comprehensive agreement.
One of the key stumbling blocks remains the hostage issue. Hamas continues to hold Israeli captives in Gaza, and their families are demanding a mass release, rather than phased deals.
Netanyahu addressed these concerns in his video, saying:
“We are dealing with a brutal terrorist organization. Of course, we want all the hostages released at once — but that’s not always up to us.”
His comments reflect ongoing domestic pressure from hostage families and the Israeli public, as well as international calls for a ceasefire to alleviate the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Conditions and Cautions
Netanyahu’s framing of the proposed ceasefire as a tactical pause, rather than a commitment to end the war—signals continued caution. His emphasis on disarmament suggests that Israel sees a future truce as contingent not just on quiet, but on changing the balance of power in Gaza.
While Netanyahu did not mention a specific start date for the potential truce, his willingness to link it to talks for a permanent solution may open space for diplomatic momentum.
However, he also left no doubt about Israel’s readiness to resume combat if negotiations fail: “We will get what is necessary, by diplomacy or by force.”
