Netanyahu Backtracks on Ceasefire Deal Remarks as Confusion Grows Over Hamas Proposal

Watan-On Monday evening, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu backtracked on earlier comments suggesting a potential ceasefire deal with Hamas could be announced “today or tomorrow,” clarifying that he did not mean those specific days.

In a brief televised statement, Netanyahu said:“The release of our hostages is a top priority, and I very much hope we can announce something about it. If not today—then tomorrow.”

Shortly afterward, however, his office issued a clarification:“The intention was not to literally indicate today or tomorrow, but rather to reflect ongoing efforts to reach a deal.”

According to the Hebrew daily Yedioth Ahronoth, unnamed Israeli sources said Netanyahu simply meant,

“We are working hard, and even if a deal doesn’t happen today, we won’t give up.”

They added that pressure is being applied to both Hamas and U.S. envoy Steve Weitekamp, and that “hope remains for good news in the near future,” but the reference to “today or tomorrow” was just a figure of speech.

Netanyahu’s televised remarks generated high anticipation among the families of Israeli hostages, some of whom reportedly contacted hostage affairs coordinator Gal Hirsch for clarification, according to Israel’s Channel 7.

Earlier, a Palestinian source close to Hamas claimed the movement had accepted Weitekamp’s proposal. Meanwhile, Israeli outlet Walla reported that Weitekamp denied Hamas had agreed and said that “Tel Aviv has accepted the plan.”

The Palestinian source, requesting anonymity, stated that Hamas had agreed to Weitekamp’s ceasefire proposal out of concern for Palestinian civilians and to halt the ongoing genocide. The deal reportedly includes:

• The release of 10 Israeli hostages in two phases

• A 60-day truce

• Gradual Israeli military withdrawal to the buffer zone near Gaza’s borders

• The release of high-profile Palestinian prisoners, including those serving life sentences

The source added that serious negotiations during the truce period would aim to end the war, with U.S. guarantees.

However, Walla reported that Weitekamp “denied” any Hamas agreement to his proposal, which he said includes releasing half of the living hostages and half of the dead bodies. He also allegedly stated:

“What I’ve heard from Hamas so far has been disappointing and entirely unacceptable.”

Israel estimates that 58 of its citizens are still held in Gaza, with 20 believed to be alive, while over 10,100 Palestinians are imprisoned in Israeli jails, many subjected to torture, starvation, and medical neglect, according to human rights groups.

Separately, Channel 14 cited an Israeli source who claimed Hamas approved a different proposal rejected by Israel earlier that same Monday—not Weitekamp’s plan.

The source emphasized:“This is not Weitekamp’s plan, but a different version that Israel does not support.”

Yedioth Ahronoth reported that under Weitekamp’s original plan, 10 hostages would be released in two stages. Hamas, however, suggested releasing five initially, followed by five more after 60 days of truce.

The paper also cited an Israeli official stating that Israel rejected a proposal on Monday reportedly put forward by U.S.-Palestinian businessman Bashara Bahbah, who had held discussions with Hamas the previous night.

The official claimed the U.S. did not consult Israel in advance about Bahbah’s proposal, which involves:

• The release of 10 hostages in two phases

• A 70-day ceasefire

According to the source, accepting this proposal would amount to surrendering to Hamas, as Bahbah allegedly coordinated it with Hamas, making it more favorable to the group.

The U.S. outlet Axios reported that Bahbah serves as a go-between for Hamas and the U.S. administration in ongoing talks over a ceasefire and prisoner exchange.

The Israeli official told Walla:“We don’t know what the Americans will say,” referencing comments made by Donald Trump, who remarked to reporters Monday night that he expected “good news soon regarding Gaza” and that talks with Israel were ongoing to end the war as quickly as possible.

The source added that Bahbah’s terms are far removed from Weitekamp’s plan, which Israel remains committed to since fighting resumed in March.

He further claimed Hamas is setting “impossible conditions” that would undermine Israel’s war objectives and prevent the release of hostages.

Earlier on Monday, the Haaretz newspaper reported that Israel rejected a ceasefire deal proposed by Hamas to end the war in Gaza.

As of 16:41 GMT, none of the three parties—Hamas, Israel, or the U.S.—had issued formal responses to the conflicting reports.

Hamas has repeatedly expressed readiness to release all Israeli hostages at once in exchange for:

• Ending the genocide in Gaza

• Complete Israeli military withdrawal

• Release of Palestinian prisoners

However, Netanyahu, who is wanted for international prosecution, continues to add new demands—including the disarmament of Palestinian factions—and is currently insisting on reoccupying Gaza.

Last Thursday, Netanyahu ordered the Israeli negotiating team to return from Doha, after refusing Hamas’ demand for U.S. guarantees to end the war.

Israel maintains that the Weitekamp proposal remains the only viable deal on the table.

Meanwhile, Israeli opposition leaders and hostage families accuse Netanyahu of prolonging the war to appease far-right factions in his coalition, securing his own political survival.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel—fully backed by the United States—has waged a genocidal war on Gaza, resulting in over 176,000 Palestinians killed or wounded, most of them children and women, in addition to more than 11,000 missing and hundreds of thousands displaced.