Netanyahu Hints at Partial Hostage Exchange Amid Gaza Tensions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that an initial phase of the U.S.-promoted plan to end the Gaza war, involving a limited hostage release by Hamas, could proceed without full agreement on subsequent actions. This was mentioned in a closed-door parliamentary meeting, signaling a possible initial Gaza truce without ending the conflict.

Israeli media quoted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as saying on Monday that the first phase of a U.S.-promoted plan to wind down the Gaza war, entailing a limited hostage release by Hamas, could be undertaken without necessary agreement on what follows.

The leaked quotes from a closed-door parliamentary meeting, which were not immediately confirmed by officials, suggested Israel sees a possibility of entering an initial Gaza truce though it has ruled out ending the war as demanded by Hamas. (Writing by Dan Williams)