Israel ready for temporary ceasefire in Gaza to release hostages — Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asserted at a press conference that Israel is ready for a temporary ceasefire in the Gaza Strip within a deal on a hostage release, Report informs via TASS.

He added that Israel is ready to end combat in the embattled enclave if radicals release all hostages, the enclave is completely de-militarized and the Gaza-based Palestinian movement Hamas is prevented from moving outside the enclave.

"I am prepared to end the war according to clear conditions: Hamas lays down its weapons, steps down from power, returns all the hostages, Gaza is demilitarized and we implement the Trump plan," Netanyahu said.

The Israeli prime minister emphasized that if there is an option for a temporary ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages, Israel will accept that. According to him, 20 hostages confirmed to be alive still remain in Gaza.