Netanyahu Commits to Disarming Hamas as U.S.-Backed Talks Begin

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to disarm Hamas, stating this could occur “either diplomatically or militarily.” His comments come as indirect negotiations are set to commence in Egypt under a U.S.-backed peace plan. These talks aim to conclude the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has persisted for nearly two years, and facilitate the release of hostages held by Hamas.

Despite preparations for these ceasefire discussions, reports of multiple explosions across the Gaza Strip surfaced on Sunday morning, highlighting the continued volatility in the region. Delegations from both Israel and Hamas plan to meet in Cairo on Monday to discuss the American-led proposal.

On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump instructed Israel to halt its bombing campaign in Gaza following Hamas’s acceptance of certain aspects of the American peace initiative. While he welcomed this development, Trump also urged Hamas to act promptly, stating, “Hamas must move quickly, or else all bets will be off.”

In response, Netanyahu expressed optimism that a resolution regarding the release of hostages would be announced in the “coming days.” He confirmed that a delegation had been sent to Egypt to finalize the technical details for the hostages’ release. “Our goal is to contain these negotiations to a timeframe of a few days,” he stated.

Netanyahu’s Stance on Military Action

Netanyahu emphasized that Hamas would be disarmed through either the proposed U.S. plan or through military action. He dismissed the notion of a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, which is one of Hamas’s principal demands. “There were those who dismissed the possibility that we could secure the release of all our hostages without a full withdrawal from Gaza,” Netanyahu remarked. “They told me it’s too good to be true. Yes, it’s too good to be true. But it’s real, and with God’s help, it will happen very soon.”

A senior official from Egypt confirmed that U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff will lead the negotiating team from Washington in Cairo. The agenda will cover the terms for the hostage release, potential prisoner exchanges, and the mapping of areas for a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces.

In addition to these negotiations, Arab mediators are preparing for broader discussions aimed at achieving Palestinian unity, which would establish a shared vision for Gaza’s political future once hostilities cease. These upcoming talks are particularly significant as they coincide with the second anniversary of Hamas’s assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals, predominantly civilians.

As the situation continues to unfold, the international community remains watchful, hoping for a resolution that addresses the humanitarian crisis while paving the way for long-term peace in the region.