Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed optimism about a potential 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, which he believes could begin within days.
In an interview with the US-based conservative news outlet Newsmax, Netanyahu indicated that the ceasefire would set the stage for the release of the first group of hostages still held by Hamas, as reported by Al Jazeera.
He noted that the brief truce would offer an opportunity to negotiate a resolution to the ongoing conflict, though he stressed that the ceasefire could end if Hamas chooses to disarm.
Netanyahu also provided an update on the situation of the captives, stating that 50 individuals are still held by Hamas. Of these, he confirmed that 20 are alive, while around 30 are presumed dead.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Hamas confirmed that it had agreed to release 10 Israeli captives as part of continued efforts to reach a ceasefire. However, the group cautioned that the ongoing negotiations for a truce were facing significant challenges due to Israel's reluctance to compromise.
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