Netanyahu's Surprising U-Turn: We are Negotiating an End to the War

According to Reuters, "Britain's Sky News Arabica and the BBC both reported overnight that Hamas had proposed releasing about half its Israeli hostages in exchange for a two-month ceasefire and the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel ... A Hamas official [told Reuters]: "Israel's position is unchanged, they want their prisoners released, without a commitment to end the war."

Potentially complicating the ceasefire talks further, reports in Israeli and Arab media said Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar may have been killed.

Hamas neither confirmed nor denied the reports. Israel's Defence Ministry had no immediate comment."

As the IDF awaits orders to launch Operation “Gideon’s Chariots” to destroy Hamas in Gaza, Prime Minister Netanyahu unexpectedly announced that Israel is exploring the possibility of ending the war in Gaza, a move that could dismantle the right-wing government.

Netanyahu’s office issued a statement, saying “Under the Prime Minister’s guidance, even at this hour, the negotiation team in Doha is working to exhaust every possibility for a deal, whether according to the Witkoff outline or in the framework of ending the fighting, which would include the release of all hostages, the exile of Hamas terrorists, and the demilitarization of Gaza from weapons.”

Notably, this statement contradicts Netanyahu’s remarks from last week. On Wednesday, the Prime Minister attacked the French President over his comments regarding policy in Gaza. In a statement on his behalf, it was said: “Prime Minister Netanyahu is determined to achieve all of Israel’s war objectives: the release of all our hostages, the military and governmental defeat of Hamas, and ensuring that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel.”

He made similar remarks the previous day during a meeting with wounded reservists: “In the next few days, we will go in with full force to complete the move and subdue Hamas. You are an example and a model, and with your spirit, we are heading toward absolute victory.”

The most likely explanation for this sudden u-turn is Trump's Middle East visit last week. Reports indicate that he has been pushing Israel to agree to an end to the war. In addition, his snubbing Netanyahu by not including Israel in his Middle East Trip and also not allowing JD Vance to visit, points to a breakdown in US-Israel relations.

There's also the sudden no-strings-attached release of IDF soldier Edan Alexander last week that has Israelis wondering: What will Trump force us to pay for his release?

Netanyahu has confirmed that he will not allow his delegation to remain in Doha for much longer, and that if a deal is not reached, the IDF will launch a massive ground and air assault on what's left of Gaza.