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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed cautious optimism over a potential agreement that could lead to the release of more Israeli hostages held in Gaza, as he concluded a four-day visit to Washington on Thursday.
In an interview with U.S. broadcaster Newsmax, Netanyahu confirmed that negotiations are underway for a temporary cease-fire that would include the release of some of the remaining hostages abducted on Oct. 7, 2023.
“We now have a deal that supposedly will get half of the living and half of the dead out,” Netanyahu said. “We have 50 left; 20 definitely alive, and some 30 that are not alive. I hope we can complete it in a few days.”
The proposed agreement includes a 60-day cease-fire during which the initial release would occur, followed by continued negotiations aimed at a broader resolution to the conflict.
Netanyahu departed the United States aboard the “Wing of Zion” aircraft Thursday night, following two meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. The Prime Minister’s Office said that “all the goals Netanyahu sought to achieve during the visit were accomplished,” though no specifics were provided.
The visit focused heavily on the ongoing war in Gaza and the humanitarian and political crisis that has followed months of fighting.
Since the start of Israeli military operations in Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023, local health authorities report that at least 57,762 people have been killed and 137,656 injured. Thousands remain missing under the rubble of destroyed buildings, as rescue and aid operations continue to face severe logistical and security obstacles.
The Israeli bombardment has led to the near-total collapse of Gaza’s infrastructure, and widespread hunger, displacement and disease.
Despite repeated cease-fire calls from the international community, including rulings and appeals from the International Court of Justice, Israel’s military campaign continues. Palestinian officials and rights groups have described the ongoing attacks as genocidal, a characterization Israel rejects.
Since May 27, at least 782 Palestinians have been killed and 5,179 wounded near designated aid distribution zones operated under the U.S.- and Israel-supported “Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.” Eyewitnesses and medical sources say these areas have been targeted in repeated strikes, raising fears about the safety of humanitarian corridors.
Israel has stated that the military targets combatants and infrastructure, but international agencies say civilians continue to bear the brunt of the conflict.
According to the Israeli military, the death of a soldier named Capt. Reei Biran, 21, has brought the total number of Israeli military fatalities in Gaza since the war began to 890, including 448 in ground operations.
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