‘The Easy Way Or The Hard Way’: Netanyahu Vows Hamas Disarmament Amid Push for Gaza Ceasefire

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday expressed optimism that hostages held by Hamas in Gaza might be released in the "coming days", India Today reported.

His remarks came as Egypt readied for negotiations under a 20-point peace framework spearheaded by US President Donald Trump.

The Israeli Prime Minister made it clear that Israel would not execute a full withdrawal from Gaza.

He stated that Israeli forces would maintain control over certain areas while Hamas must be disarmed — either through diplomatic channels or military means.

Netanyahu added that Israel had consented to initial withdrawal lines proposed in the US plan but insisted that securing hostages and an end to the fighting remained top priorities.

Addressing the nation, Netanyahu reiterated his firm stance, saying, “Hamas will be disarmed and Gaza will be demilitarised – either the easy way or the hard way, but it will be achieved.”

His statement followed Hamas’s partial acceptance of Trump’s peace proposal. However, crucial sticking points, particularly disarmament, remain unsettled.

Hamas has reportedly agreed to release the remaining hostages and support the formation of a technocratic administration in Gaza.

Yet, the Palestinian terror group, which governed Gaza strip, has remained silent on the demand for disarmament — a core issue for Israel.

President Trump, in response, urged Hamas to act swiftly, cautioning that any delay might jeopardise the deal.

According to the 20-point US peace plan, Hamas is expected to free all remaining hostages — including around 20 believed to be alive — within three days.

In return, Israel would suspend its military offensive, withdraw from certain areas of Gaza, release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, and facilitate the entry of humanitarian assistance and reconstruction efforts into Gaza.

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