Netanyahu Expresses Hope for Hostage Release Amid Ongoing Talks

Wed Oct 22 2025 00:29:38 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicates potential progress in hostage negotiations, with Hamas signaling a willingness to discuss terms. However, significant challenges remain as military actions persist.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced hopes for the imminent release of hostages held in Gaza, coinciding with renewed discussions involving Hamas under a US peace plan. While Hamas has agreed to release hostages, they have not committed to disarmament. This comes as US President Trump emphasized urgency for a resolution, amid continued hostilities in the region. As indirect ceasefire talks initiate, both sides face significant skepticism and domestic pressure, highlighting the complex landscape of the ongoing conflict.

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 said Hamas will be disarmed and Gaza will be demilitarised – either the easy way or the hard way, but it will be achieved.

The comments came after Hamas released a statement on Friday in which it agreed to free the hostages under a US peace plan, but did not mention disarmament and sought negotiations on other issues.

Hamas on Saturday said Israel is continuing to commit massacres after strikes hit Gaza and urged global pressure on Israel.

Indirect ceasefire talks between the parties are set to start in Egypt on Monday.

US President Donald Trump said he would not tolerate delay from Hamas to complete a deal. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated: Hamas must move quickly, or else all bets will be off... Let's get this done, FAST.

The 20-point plan proposed by the US seeks an immediate end to fighting and the release of 20 living Israeli hostages held by Hamas, alongside the remains of those presumed dead -- in exchange for hundreds of detained Gazans.

Hamas is under pressure to accept some points of Trump's plan. They have tentatively agreed to release all remaining Israeli hostages, but crucially did not clarify their stance on disarmament, a primary Israeli demand.

Both Gaza and Israel currently express cautious optimism about the possibility of a deal, influenced by Trump's involvement as a potential key to peace.

However, obstacles remain, including Hamas' demand for total Israeli troop withdrawal and guarantees against renewed military action post-release of hostages.

Despite ongoing military strikes by Israel in Gaza, domestic sentiment in Israel shows a strong desire for the release of hostages and a resolution to the conflict, highlighting a complex and fragile situation.

Families of the hostages continue to express hope, albeit with concerns about potential setbacks as they await news of their loved ones.