Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday vowed to dismantle Hamas and secure the release of all Israeli hostages, signaling a hardline stance as negotiations over a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal take shape.
Speaking at the EAPC facility in Ashkelon, Netanyahu declared, “There will be no more Hamas – it’s over. We will free all of our hostages and eliminate Hamas down to its very foundations.” He also noted that projected revenue from Israel’s offshore gas fields could reach nearly NIS 300 billion over the next decade.
His remarks come as both Israel and Hamas outline their positions ahead of potential talks mediated by international partners. While Hamas has signaled openness to a deal, the group insists that any agreement must lead to a full end to the war in Gaza.
The nearly 21-month-long conflict has seen multiple rounds of failed ceasefire negotiations, often breaking down over Israel’s refusal to commit to a permanent cessation of hostilities without Hamas’s full surrender.
In a brief statement on Wednesday, Hamas confirmed it had received a new proposal from mediators and is engaging in discussions to “bridge gaps” and return to the negotiating table.
Hamas Offers to Release 50 Hostages
Hamas has reportedly expressed willingness to release the remaining 50 Israeli hostages, fewer than half of whom are believed to be alive – in exchange for a full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza and a complete end to the war.
The proposal, unveiled Tuesday by U.S. President Donald Trump, includes a 60-day ceasefire period during which diplomatic efforts would intensify to secure a longer-term resolution. Trump stated that Israel had agreed to the framework and urged Hamas to accept the terms “before conditions worsen.”
Hamas official Taher al-Nunu said the group is “ready and serious” about reaching an agreement but emphasized that it would only accept terms that clearly lead to a complete end to the conflict.
For its part, Israel has maintained it will not agree to a ceasefire unless Hamas surrenders, disarms, and its leadership goes into exile—demands Hamas continues to reject.
