Netanyahu Anticipates Hostage Release Amid Continued Tensions in Gaza

Fri Oct 10 2025 16:27:07 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expresses hope for the imminent release of hostages by Hamas while reiterating demands for Gaza's disarmament, amid ongoing military operations.

In a recent address, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu indicated that he hopes to announce the release of hostages held by Hamas in the near future. While discussing the potential for negotiations, he stressed the need for Gaza to be disarmed. This comes as Hamas has expressed its intentions to release the hostages under a U.S. peace plan, yet has not committed to disarmament. As indirect ceasefire discussions loom, both Israelis and Gazans display cautious optimism, despite continued violence and intricate political dynamics.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he hopes to announce the release of hostages being held in Gaza in the coming days.

In a televised statement, he also stated, Hamas will be disarmed and Gaza will be demilitarised – either the easy way or the hard way, but it will be achieved. The comments followed a statement from Hamas indicating agreement to release hostages under a U.S. peace proposal, although it refrained from discussing disarmament and sought negotiations on other topics.

Hamas accused Israel of continuing to carry out massacres in Gaza and called for international pressure on Israel amid ongoing hostilities. Indirect ceasefire talks are scheduled to begin in Egypt shortly.

U.S. President Donald Trump urged Hamas to expedite the hostage release process, stating on his Truth Social platform that delays would not be tolerated, urging them to act quickly.

The 20-point peace proposal includes an immediate halt to hostilities, the release of 20 living Israeli hostages and the remains of deceased individuals in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian detainees.

Despite the tension, there remains cautious optimism regarding potential resolutions. Netanyahu faces pressure domestically, as polls indicate that many Israelis favor negotiating with Hamas to secure the hostages' return and end the conflict.

As both parties remain entrenched in their positions, including demands for disarmament and assurances of no resumption of conflict, the outlook for peace remains uncertain amidst a backdrop of devastation and loss.

Families of hostages are hopeful yet anxious, embodying the tension between hope for resolution and fear of further disappointment. One mother shared her mix of hope and fear as she awaits news of her son, illustrating the emotional toll of the ongoing crisis.

As the Israeli military continues operations in Gaza, calls for a ceasefire mount, and both sides grapple with the complexities of negotiation amidst continued violence.