Netanyahu, Katz say captives release imminent

• Netanyahu, Katz: ‘Israel’ nears exchange deal; captives release expected soon
• Netanyahu, Katz: Next stage Hamas to be disarmed; IOF ready if plan rejected

‘Israeli’ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that ‘Israel’ is nearing an agreement with Hamas for the release of all remaining captives from Gaza.

Netanyahu explained the first stage of the plan involves the return of both living and deceased captives while Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) continue to hold controlling areas inside the enclave.

Read more: ‘Israel’ says about 900,000 Palestinians displaced from Gaza City

He noted that the ‘Israeli’ negotiating team, led by Minister Ron Dermer, will travel to Egypt to finalize the technical details of the captives’ release, highlighting Egypt’s role as a mediator in the ongoing talks.

Netanyahu claimed that the shift in Hamas’ position came as a result of intense military and diplomatic pressure, coordinated with US President Donald Trump and his team.

“In the second stage, Hamas will be disarmed and the Strip demilitarized. This will happen either via a diplomatic route according to the Trump Plan – or via a military route by us,” he added. 

Defense Minister Israel Katz echoed Netanyahu’s remarks, stating that the ‘Israeli’ military is ready for any scenario and that a potential resumption of fire could occur if Hamas rejects the plan.

“We now expect the implementation of the first phase in the near future and the immediate release of all the hostages,” Katz said. “ If Hamas refuses to release the hostages, the IDF will again increase the intensity of fire until Hamas is defeated and all the hostages are released.”