Israel is ready for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, but has placed a big condition

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that Israel is ready to negotiate a permanent ceasefire during the proposed 60-day ceasefire in Gaza. His statement came during his visit to the US. However, Netanyahu also laid down a condition for the permanent ceasefire.

Netanyahu laid down a condition

Netanyahu says that talks on a permanent ceasefire can only take place when Gaza is completely weapon-free. Talks between Israel and Hamas began in Doha (Qatar) on Sunday. The purpose of these talks is to bring a temporary halt to the war that erupted after the Hamas attack in October 2023.

Netanyahu said in a video message from Washington that at the beginning of this ceasefire, we will start talks to end the war permanently. But, he has some conditions for Hamas.

1. Hamas should lay down its arms.

2. Hamas should no longer have the power to govern or have military power.

Netanyahu further said, “If these things can be achieved through talks, it is good. If this cannot be done in 60 days, then we will achieve it by other means. With the power of our brave army.

60-day ceasefire and release of hostages

US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff has proposed a 60-day ceasefire, in return for which half of the 20 hostages remaining in Gaza will be released. Netanyahu told the families of the hostages on Wednesday that Hamas will decide which hostages will be released during the 60-day ceasefire.

Netanyahu said, “We will make every possible effort to release as many people as possible during this period. But everything is not in our hands.

What did Hamas say?

On Wednesday, Hamas announced that it was ready to release 10 living hostages. But, till Thursday, Hamas opposed any agreement in which a strong presence of the Israeli army remains in Gaza.