Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Thursday that his government will be willing to enter negotiations for a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza, subject to an offered 60-day ceasefire—under the condition that the area is entirely weapons-free and free from militant rule.
"At the start of the ceasefire, we will begin negotiations for a final end to the war, namely a final ceasefire," Netanyahu announced in a video message broadcast from Washington, where he has traveled.
He underscored that such a deal would hinge on austere terms. "To get that, it has to be under the fundamental conditions that we've established: Hamas has to put down its arms, Gaza has to be demilitarized, and Hamas can no longer hold any governing or military function," Netanyahu said.
The declaration came as Israeli and Hamas representatives met in Doha, Qatar, on Sunday to talk about a temporary ceasefire. The talks follow a significant October 2023 attack by Hamas that led to a huge Israeli military response that has, to date, killed over 57,000 Palestinians, the health ministry in Gaza said.
Netanyahu explained that the new ceasefire offer, presented by U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, calls for a 60-day ceasefire. In that time, the agreement would also ensure the release of 10 surviving hostages and some of the dead. Israel puts the number of remaining hostages in Gaza at around 50, some 20 of whom are thought to still be alive.
Read also| Bangladesh Tribunal Indicts Ousted PM Sheikh Hasina on 'Crime Against Humanity' Charges
Read also| Trump Announces 35% Tariff on Canadian Imports Effective August 1
