By: IndoUS Tribune Staff

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel is prepared to discuss a permanent ceasefire in Gaza—provided Hamas agrees to full disarmament. The remarks come amid ongoing negotiations in Doha, Qatar, aimed at securing a 60-day truce.

“In order to achieve a lasting ceasefire, Hamas must lay down its arms,” Netanyahu said in a video message from Washington, D.C., where he is currently on an official visit. “Gaza must be completely demilitarized, and Hamas can no longer retain any governing or military capability.”

Negotiators from Israel and Hamas have arrived in Doha for truce discussions, following Hamas’ deadly October 2023 attack and Israel’s subsequent military offensive, which has left over 57,000 Palestinians dead, according to Gaza health officials.

The proposed deal, brokered by U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, would include a 60-day pause in fighting and the release of 10 living hostages and several deceased individuals. Israel believes approximately 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with around 20 presumed alive.

Netanyahu emphasized both the achievements and the sacrifices of the war. “We’ve made significant progress against terror in Gaza and the West Bank—but not without painful costs,” he said.

His comments mark one of the first public acknowledgments of a willingness to move toward a long-term ceasefire, conditional on Hamas disarmament, signaling a possible shift in Israel’s Gaza strategy under U.S.-led mediation.