The Middle East remains tense as developments between Israel and Hamas continue to unfold rapidly, leaving many unsure of what lies ahead.
Netanyahu’s Statement
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he hopes to announce the release of hostages held in Gaza “in the coming days.”
In a televised address, Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s determination to neutralise Hamas’ military capabilities, stating:
“Hamas will be disarmed and Gaza will be demilitarised — either the easy way or the hard way, but it will be achieved.”
In response, Hamas accused Israel of continuing to commit “massacres” following fresh air strikes on Gaza.
The group urged the international community to pressure Israel to halt its offensive.
On Friday, Hamas released a statement agreeing to release hostages under a U.S.-backed peace proposal but avoided any mention of disarmament, instead calling for further negotiations on related issues.
U.S. President Donald Trump warned Hamas against delaying progress on the agreement, saying the U.S. would “not tolerate delay.”
“Move quickly, or else all bets will be off,” Trump said in a statement.
Later on Saturday, the president announced that Israel had “agreed to the initial withdrawal line,” referring to a map released by the White House outlining the proposed stages of de-escalation.
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry confirmed that indirect ceasefire talks involving both sides are expected to begin in Cairo on Monday. Diplomats say the negotiations aim to finalise terms for a temporary truce and secure the release of hostages.
In Gaza’s southern city of Khan Younis, local resident Mahmoud described a cautious sense of optimism:
“People are full of hope,” he said.
The mother of one hostage, Nimrod Cohen, echoed that sentiment but admitted she remains “in fear that something will go wrong.”
Despite the ongoing diplomatic efforts, three separate Israeli air strikes reportedly hit residential areas across Gaza City early Saturday.
In a subsequent statement, Hamas described the attacks as “brutal raids,” accusing Israel of targeting civilian sites even as talks of a truce advance.
