Gaza offensive could end tomorrow if captives freed, Hamas disarms: ‘Israeli’ FM

‘Israeli’ Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said the offensive in Gaza could end as soon as tomorrow if captives are released and Hamas gives up its weapons, adding that peace with Palestinians can only be achieved through bilateral agreements.

Sa’ar called European efforts to recognize a Palestinian state a “grave mistake,” claiming it does not necessarily bring peace.

The minister also said that anti-semitism is on the rise across Europe, claiming that there are double standards at play.

Read more: ‘Israel’ allows only 65 of 150 Jordanian aid trucks into Gaza this week: Charity

Meanwhile, Hamas reaffirmed Saturday its commitment to what it said was the ceasefire proposal that it and other Palestinian factions agreed to on August 18.

In a press statement, Hamas said it remains open to any ideas or proposals that would achieve a lasting ceasefire and a comprehensive withdrawal of ‘Israeli’ forces from Gaza.

Specific Demands for a Deal

The statement outlined Hamas’s conditions for a deal, which it says must include:

• A permanent ceasefire.
• A complete withdrawal of ‘Israeli’ forces from the Gaza Strip.
• The unconditional entry of aid.
• A "real" prisoner exchange through serious negotiations via mediators.

The statement comes amid reports from Arab media that a Hamas delegation led by the group’s chief Khalil al-Hayya arrived in Cairo to meet with senior Egyptian intelligence officials.

The meeting was requested by Egypt and will include talks based on comments by US envoy Steve Witkoff, according to the report by the Al-Araby al-Jadeed.