Netanyahu gives Hamas days to release hostages before disarmament
Photo: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Getty Images)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hamas has only a few days to negotiate over hostages. After that, the group will be disarmed, either through diplomacy or military action, reports The Times of Israel.
In a brief address, Netanyahu said the only reason Hamas is ready to release all hostages is due to military and diplomatic pressure.
"What brought the change in Hamas's stance was solely the military and diplomatic pressure we brought to bear," he said.
Netanyahu added that it is realistic for Israel to secure the release of all hostages without withdrawing troops from the Gaza Strip.
He also authorized the Israeli negotiation team, led by Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, to travel to Cairo to coordinate the "technical details" of the hostages' release.
"Our intention, and the intention of our American friends, is to bind the negotiations into a matter of days," the Prime Minister said.
In the second stage of the deal, Netanyahu said, "Hamas will be disarmed, and the Gaza Strip will be demilitarized. It will happen either diplomatically, according to the Trump plan, or militarily, by us."
He also expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump for his firm support and noted his statement today that he would not tolerate delays from Hamas.
Israel halts offensive in Gaza
Earlier today, it became known that the Israel Defense Forces received orders to stop the offensive on Gaza City, following a request from Trump. The US President also posted today, urging Hamas to move quickly.
"I appreciate that Israel has temporarily stopped the bombing in order to give the Hostage release and Peace Deal a chance to be completed. Hamas must move quickly, or else all bets will be off. I will not tolerate delay, which many think will happen," Trump wrote.
Earlier on Friday, Trump said he is giving Hamas militants a final chance to respond to his peace plan for the Gaza Strip.
