Netanyahu Vows to Disarm Hamas and Secure Hostage Release in Gaza Peace Plan

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that the Israeli military will disarm Hamas as part of the Gaza peace plan, which also encompasses the release of all hostages, stating this will occur “either the easy or the hard way.” He indicated that the demilitarization of Hamas could occur through Israeli military action or through a proposal put forward by Donald Trump. Netanyahu also clarified that Israel will not fully withdraw from Gaza, a demand Hamas has consistently made. He expressed optimism regarding the imminent release of hostages, suggesting an announcement could be made soon, possibly during the Sukkot holiday, before talks scheduled in Egypt on Monday. The Prime Minister also confirmed a delegation from Israel will be present in Egypt to finalize technical details. Despite this, continued Israeli airstrikes were reported on Saturday, resulting in multiple fatalities. Talks to end the war in Gaza are set to intensify in Egypt after Hamas announced it had accepted parts of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan. Trump dispatched Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to Cairo to lead US efforts.