As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed for Washington on Sunday to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump, he reaffirmed his firm stance against any hostage deal that would allow Hamas to remain in control of Gaza.
“Twenty hostages are still alive, and thirty have perished. I am committed—and we are all committed—to bringing each and every one of them home,” Netanyahu told reporters before boarding the Wing of Zion, Israel’s official state aircraft.
However, he emphasized, “We are equally committed to making sure Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel. We will not accept any arrangement that opens the door to further kidnappings, killings, beheadings, or cross-border attacks.”
“That means one thing: dismantling Hamas’s military and governing infrastructure. Hamas will not remain in Gaza,” Netanyahu declared. At the same time, an Israeli delegation was en route to Doha for indirect negotiations with the militant group over a potential deal.
When asked if a hostage agreement could be finalized within the week, Netanyahu—uncharacteristically turning back to address the press—responded, “We are working to secure an agreement based on the conditions we’ve set.”
“I’ve given the negotiation team clear instructions,” he added. “And I believe my upcoming conversation with President Trump can significantly contribute to achieving the outcome we all desire.”
Gaza is expected to dominate Monday’s meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump, who in recent days has repeatedly urged an end to the war that erupted following Hamas’s October 7, 2023, assault on Israel.
Trump announced on Tuesday that Israel had agreed to the latest ceasefire proposal, which outlines the release of 10 living and 18 deceased hostages over five phases. In return, a 60-day ceasefire would be implemented, large-scale humanitarian aid would flow into Gaza, and numerous Palestinian prisoners and detainees would be freed.
According to an Arab diplomat from one of the mediating countries, the plan includes the release of eight living hostages on the first day, followed by two more on the 50th day. The remains of five slain hostages would be returned on the seventh day, another five on day 30, and eight more on day 60. After these exchanges, 22 hostages would still remain in Gaza, with 10 believed to be alive. It remains uncertain whether Israel or Hamas would determine which individuals are to be released.
Hamas on Friday gave what it called a “positive” response to the proposal. However, the terror group stressed it has reservations about the proposed truce, most notably its temporary nature, and has demanded a guarantee that agreeing to the deal will lead to a permanent end of the war.
Netanyahu’s office called the demands — which also concerned aid mechanisms and IDF troop withdrawals — “unacceptable.”
