Jerusalem: Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has said that the ongoing war in Gaza could be brought to a close if two decisive steps are taken: the release of all hostages and the disarmament of Hamas. Speaking at a joint press conference in Jerusalem with Denmark’s foreign minister, Saar underlined that peace cannot be achieved without these fundamental preconditions.
The statement comes as the conflict grinds on with mounting casualties and widespread destruction. Israel has long maintained that the return of its citizens held captive by Hamas is non-negotiable, while disarmament of the group is viewed as essential to preventing future escalations. Saar reiterated that Israel is not prepared to agree to any settlement that leaves Hamas armed or hostages in danger.
Hamas, however, has issued its own counter-demand, declaring that it will only release the hostages if Israel halts its military operations and withdraws troops from Gaza City. This condition has deepened the standoff, leaving negotiations at a deadlock despite active mediation efforts from the United States, Qatar, and Egypt. The armed group’s position underscores the enduring gap between the two sides, with neither willing to compromise on its core demands.
The stalemate persists even after Hamas recently floated the idea of a 60-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of half of the remaining hostages, alongside prisoner exchanges and expanded humanitarian access. Israeli leaders, including Saar, have so far dismissed the proposal as insufficient, insisting that only the complete release of hostages and the total disarmament of Hamas would provide the basis for ending the conflict.
The humanitarian toll of the war continues to rise. Thousands of civilians have been killed, and waves of displacement are reshaping the already fragile enclave. Just days ago, the Israeli military urged residents to evacuate Gaza City as fighting intensified, further underscoring the peril faced by the population. With international concern mounting, pressure is growing on both parties to reach a breakthrough.
For now, however, both Israel and Hamas remain entrenched in their positions. Saar’s comments signal Israel’s willingness to bring the war to a close, but only on terms that guarantee security and the return of hostages. Hamas, in turn, sees Israeli withdrawal as a precondition to any concession. The outcome of this impasse will likely define not only the immediate future of Gaza but also the broader regional balance of power.