Israeli FM says permanent Gaza ceasefire hinges on reaching temporary deal

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said on Wednesday that Israel would be willing to negotiate a permanent ceasefire in Gaza if a temporary truce with Hamas is reached.

According to a statement from Sa'ar's office, the minister made the remarks during a joint press conference with Slovakia's Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar in Bratislava.

"Israel is serious in its bid to reach a hostage deal and a ceasefire in Gaza," Sa'ar said.

He added that an Israeli delegation remained in Doha, Qatar, for indirect talks with Hamas on a proposed 60-day truce that would include the release of 10 living hostages and the return of the remains of several others.

The statement followed two meetings in Washington between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump, the second of which took place on Tuesday.

In a video statement on Wednesday, Netanyahu said the discussions focused on "efforts to release our hostages." No breakthrough has been announced.

Netanyahu also reiterated that Israel remains "determined" to achieve its objectives in the military operation in Gaza, which he described as securing the return of all hostages, both living and deceased, and "eliminating Hamas's military and governing capabilities."

Israel launched its offensive on October 7, 2023, after a surprise Hamas attack that killed about 1,200 people and saw 250 taken hostage. According to authorities in Gaza, at least 57,000 people have been killed since the start of the conflict, and about 70 percent of the territory's buildings and much of its infrastructure have been destroyed, causing widespread hunger in the besieged enclave.