Netanyahu Expects All Hostages Returned Soon Amid Gaza Negotiations

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced hopeful progress toward the release of all Israeli hostages held by Hamas, with negotiations set to finalize the details in Cairo in the coming days, coinciding with the Jewish festival of Sukkot. Netanyahu credited the release plan to combined military and diplomatic pressure, including coordination with U.S. President Donald Trump, whose 20-point peace proposal Hamas has partially accepted. Trump urged Hamas to agree promptly, warning of severe consequences if delays occur, and called for an immediate halt to Israeli bombing to facilitate safe hostage release. Netanyahu emphasized that Gaza would be disarmed either peacefully through Trump’s plan or militarily, signaling firm resolve regardless of the path taken. Negotiators from Israel, Hamas, and the U.S. are engaging in talks in Egypt to work out the exchange's technical and ground conditions. Despite these diplomatic efforts, Israeli strikes on Gaza continued amid the tense ceasefire negotiations, reflecting ongoing conflict risks.