Netanyahu’s comments sparked hopes for a new ceasefire for the 20-month conflict in the Gaza Strip.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump said he believes a ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas could be reached within this week.

Palestinian militants seized 251 captives during Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Of these, 49 are still believed to be held in Gaza, including 27, the Israeli military says, are dead. Hamas also holds the body of an Israeli soldier killed there in 2014.