Netanyahu Expects Hostage Release as Israel, Hamas Prepare for U.S.-Backed Peace Talks in Egypt

Published: October 5, 2025, 16:30 EDT

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he hopes to announce the release of all remaining hostages held in Gaza “in the coming days,” as Israel and Hamas prepare for indirect talks in Cairo on Monday under a new U.S.-backed proposal aimed at ending the war. The renewed diplomatic activity marks one of the most significant steps toward a ceasefire since the conflict began two years ago.

Netanyahu Eyes Swift Negotiations with Egypt as Mediator

In a brief statement on Saturday, Netanyahu said he dispatched a delegation to Egypt “to finalize technical details,” adding that his government aims to conclude negotiations “within a few days.”

However, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel would not agree to a full military withdrawal from Gaza — a core Hamas demand since the start of the conflict. The prime minister said Israeli forces would maintain control of territories they currently occupy and reiterated that Hamas must be disarmed, whether “through diplomacy or military action.”

Hamas has reportedly accepted parts of the U.S. proposal, according to mediators. U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed the development but urged Hamas to “move quickly,” warning that “all bets will be off” if progress stalls.

Ceasefire Framework and Initial Reactions

Trump stated that the ceasefire would begin as soon as Hamas confirms the “initial withdrawal line” in Gaza, sharing a map that indicated Israeli forces would remain stationed across significant parts of the enclave.

He also ordered Israel to halt airstrikes, and reports from Gaza City on Saturday suggested a notable reduction in bombing. Still, local hospital officials reported at least 22 deaths, including women and children.

Israeli defense officials confirmed they had been instructed to adopt a defensive posture in preparation for the first phase of the U.S. plan. “We are not conducting offensive operations,” one official said on condition of anonymity.

Despite this directive, Al-Ahli Hospital reported that an Israeli airstrike on Gaza City’s Tuffah neighborhood killed 17 people and wounded 25 others. Hospital director Fadel Naim said, “The strikes are still ongoing.” Israel’s military said it targeted a Hamas operative and “regrets any harm caused to civilians.”

Diplomatic Momentum Builds Ahead of War Anniversary

The renewed talks come just days before the second anniversary of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack that triggered the ongoing conflict. Trump has pledged to secure a peace deal and the release of hostages before the symbolic date, a goal that has gained broad international support.

Egypt, acting as a mediator, said Monday’s discussions would focus on preparing for the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian detainees held in Israeli prisons. Egyptian officials also confirmed that U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff will head Washington’s negotiating team.

A senior Egyptian diplomat said the talks will review maps detailing the phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from designated parts of Gaza. The source added that regional mediators are also preparing for a broader dialogue among Palestinian factions to coordinate a unified stance on Gaza’s postwar governance.

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Gaza’s second-largest armed group, said it had now accepted Hamas’ response after previously rejecting the U.S. proposal.

Provisions and Challenges of the U.S. Plan

Under the U.S. plan, Hamas would release all remaining 48 hostages — including approximately 20 believed to be alive — within three days. In exchange, Israel would halt its offensive, withdraw from much of Gaza, release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, and allow expanded humanitarian access for reconstruction efforts.

While Hamas has agreed in principle to the release and transfer of authority to other Palestinian representatives, it has not confirmed its stance on demilitarization — a key sticking point.

Retired Israeli general Amir Avivi, who chairs the Defense and Security Forum, said Israel could “pause operations for a few days” to facilitate hostage releases but would resume its offensive if Hamas fails to disarm.

Security analyst Oded Ailam of the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs said Hamas’ position “repackages old demands in softer terms,” suggesting little change in substance.

Mixed Reactions Within Israel’s Leadership

Within Netanyahu’s coalition, right-wing ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir criticized the ceasefire plan but stopped short of threatening to collapse the government.

Meanwhile, thousands gathered in Tel Aviv for weekly protests urging a resolution to the war and the safe return of hostages. A representative group for hostages’ families said, “The possibility of seeing our loved ones return has never been closer.” The group urged Trump to “keep pressing forward with full force” while warning that “extremists on both sides” could derail progress.

Across Europe, protesters also rallied in major cities calling for an end to the war and increased humanitarian access to Gaza.

Humanitarian Toll and Growing Fatigue in Gaza

Inside Gaza, residents expressed cautious hope but lingering skepticism about the talks. “We want action, not promises,” said Sameer Qudeeh of Khan Younis. “I hope Hamas ends the war because we are truly tired,” added local resident Mohammad Shaat.

Israel’s army issued renewed warnings Saturday against returning to northern Gaza, calling it a “dangerous combat zone.” Residents in the area reported limited movement of Israeli troops but continued artillery fire and airstrikes.

The Palestine Red Crescent Society said its Saraya field hospital in southern Gaza received 10 bodies and more than 70 injured following Israeli airstrikes on Saturday afternoon.

Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that the overall Palestinian death toll has surpassed 67,000, after adding over 700 newly verified names. The ministry, which operates under Hamas’ administration, said women and children make up about half the casualties. The United Nations and independent observers continue to regard the ministry’s data as the most comprehensive available.

Outlook: Fragile Hope Amid Unresolved Divisions

Despite growing international pressure and rare cooperation among mediators, uncertainty remains high. Israel insists on long-term security guarantees, while Hamas faces pressure from within Gaza to secure a permanent ceasefire without surrendering control.

For many on both sides, exhaustion and grief have replaced political rhetoric. As one resident said simply, “We are all waiting for this to end.”