Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has once again vowed that his government and military will defeat the Palestinian group Hamas, while confirming that 20 of the remaining 50 Israeli hostages in Gaza are believed to still be alive.
“We Will Defeat These Monsters”
In a televised interview with the conservative U.S. news outlet Newsmax, Netanyahu declared, “We will defeat these monsters and bring our hostages home.” His comments come as negotiations are underway for a possible 60-day ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which has been the center of intense conflict since late 2023.
Netanyahu stated that under the proposed ceasefire agreement, 10 of the living hostages could be released within days, along with the return of about half of the bodies of deceased hostages.
People take part in a protest demanding the release of all hostages kidnapped during the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas, and against Israeli government and its Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in Tel Aviv, Israel, July 10, 2025. REUTERS/Shir Torem
“There are definitely 20 hostages alive and around 30 who are not. I want us to bring them all back,” he said, expressing cautious optimism about the ongoing talks.
Ceasefire Talks May Lead to End-of-War Negotiations
Netanyahu concluded his three-day official visit to Washington on Thursday with a statement outlining that talks for ending the war could begin once the proposed ceasefire takes effect.
“Those talks will have to be based on minimum conditions we’ve set,” he emphasized, listing Israel’s demands: that Hamas disarm, that Gaza be demilitarized, and that the group be stripped of any governing or military capabilities.
Hamas has rejected these terms.
“We Will Achieve Our Goals By Other Means If Necessary”
The Israeli leader warned that if these conditions are not met within 60 days of negotiations, his government will pursue its objectives by other means—specifically, through continued military action.
