Netanyahu sets conditions for Gaza ceasefire during Washington visit
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Photo: Getty Images)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented a plan in Washington to end the war in Gaza, but first, the Islamist group Hamas must relinquish power, and its leaders must leave the region. According to the prime minister, there is no other way forward, Axios reports.
If Hamas gives up control and its leaders go into exile, it could pave the way for the next phase of the plan, which may include what the outlet describes as a potential "Gaza takeover" by former US President Donald Trump.
According to Axios sources, Netanyahu sought to reach an understanding with Trump and his team on how to proceed with a deal concerning the release of hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza. The report states that the Israeli prime minister wants to negotiate amendments to the existing agreement, a move that Trump’s advisors support.
Under the current agreement, after the full implementation of the first phase, 59 hostages will remain in Gaza, with 35 confirmed dead.
In Washington, Netanyahu stated that he wanted to extend the first phase of the operation after a 42-day ceasefire to secure the release of more hostages. In return, Israel is willing to release additional Palestinian prisoners, including those convicted of terrorism and serving lengthy or life sentences.
At the same time, the Israeli prime minister will demand that Hamas free the remaining hostages, give up its control of Gaza, and accept the exile of its leaders, including those released from prison.
Senior Israeli officials claim that Hamas has agreed to relinquish its civil authority over Gaza and hand over the reconstruction process to the Palestinian Authority or an independent committee. However, the group has refused to give up its military presence.
Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement
In January 2025, reports confirmed that Israel and Hamas had reached a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. The deal includes multiple phases, with the first requiring a complete cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from heavily populated areas, and the release of some hostages.
Both sides have already engaged in exchanges, with Hamas releasing Israeli hostages and Israel freeing Palestinian prisoners.
The second phase of the agreement envisions the continued release of hostages and a full Israeli withdrawal, while the third phase will initiate Gaza’s reconstruction.
