Israel open to Gaza truce if Hamas is disarmed and removed from power

Israel is willing to accept a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza as part of a diplomatic solution but insists on the full disarmament of Hamas and its removal from power, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said during a visit to the United States.

“We are working to free half of the remaining hostages — both the living and the dead — in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire,” Netanyahu told families of hostages. He said Israel would begin talks on a permanent truce at the start of the ceasefire.

“If diplomacy fails, we will achieve our goals through military means,” he added.

Netanyahu compared the approach to the U.S. stance on Iran, saying Israel will use force if negotiations fail to deliver.