Netanyahu Hints at Hostage Release Imminent: "Coming Days" Timeline Revealed

Netanyahu Hopes to Announce Hostage Release "In the Coming Days" Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed optimism on Saturday that he would soon announce the release of hostages being held in Gaza, stating his hope for a resolution "in the coming days." This development comes as indirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas are set to begin in Egypt on Monday. Netanyahu's comments were made during a televised statement, where he also reiterated his commitment to disarming Hamas and demilitarizing Gaza. "Hamas will be disarmed and Gaza will be demilitarised either the easy way or the hard way, but it will be achieved," Netanyahu said. The Israeli Prime Minister's remarks follow a statement from Hamas on Friday, in which the group agreed to free the hostages under a US peace plan. However, Hamas did not commit to disarmament and instead sought negotiations on other issues. In response, Hamas accused Israel of continuing to commit "massacres" after strikes hit Gaza on Saturday morning. US President Donald Trump weighed in on the situation, urging Hamas to move quickly to complete a deal. On his Truth Social platform, Trump posted: "Hamas must move quickly, or else all bets will be off... Let's get this done, FAST." He later added that Israel had agreed to the initial withdrawal line. Background and Context The conflict between Israel and Hamas has been ongoing for weeks, with both sides trading blows in a cycle of violence. The US peace plan, which aims to bring an end to the hostilities, has been met with skepticism by some observers who question its feasibility. Additional Perspectives Dr. Sara Roy, a Middle East expert at Harvard University's Center for Middle Eastern Studies, noted that the situation is complex and multifaceted. "The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is not just about Hamas or Israel; it's about the broader regional dynamics and the historical grievances of both sides," she said. Current Status and Next Developments As indirect ceasefire talks are set to begin in Egypt on Monday, all eyes will be on the negotiations. The success of these talks will depend on the willingness of both parties to compromise and find a lasting solution to the conflict. In the meantime, Netanyahu's statement has brought a glimmer of hope for the release of hostages being held in Gaza. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the path forward will be fraught with challenges and uncertainties. Sources Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Hamas US President Donald Trump Dr. Sara Roy, Harvard University's Center for Middle Eastern Studies *Reporting by Bbc.*