Hamas faces mid-September ultimatum on hostages and weapons

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to convene the country’s top decision-making forum on August 26 to discuss the prospects of a ceasefire deal aimed at ending the nearly two-year-old conflict in Gaza. Meanwhile, the Israeli military is making final preparations for an operation targeting Gaza City, the Palestinian territory’s largest urban centre.

An aide to Netanyahu, speaking on condition of anonymity to Bloomberg, said Hamas has been given a deadline of mid-September to agree to a ceasefire that would secure the return of the remaining 50 Israeli hostages and lead to the dismantling of the group’s government structures and remaining weapons. Should Hamas fail to comply, Israel will proceed with its Gaza City operation, the aide added.

Ceasefire negotiations have stalled for months with minimal progress. Hamas has indicated it may relinquish some governing authority but refuses to disarm under an open-ended truce. Israel has signalled readiness to send negotiators for renewed talks, though neither a venue nor a date has been finalised.

Energy Minister Eli Cohen, a member of Netanyahu’s security cabinet, told Israel’s Army Radio, “We want to be in a position where we bring back all 50 hostages—on condition that our terms are accepted. We won’t leave a situation for years in which Hamas can rehabilitate and reorganise itself.”

The Israeli government faces mounting pressure to end the war, which has killed more than 62,000 Palestinians since it began, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, and triggered what United Nations agencies describe as a starvation crisis. European and other international leaders have condemned the planned military push into Gaza City.

A former senior Israeli military officer said the army has allocated five months to complete the takeover of Gaza City. Over the weekend, troops and tanks encircled the city while carrying out incursions and airstrikes, prompting some residents to flee, according to Israel’s Channel 12 and the Gaza Civil Defence Service.

US President Donald Trump, a Netanyahu ally who supports Hamas’ removal, stated on Monday that he wants the war to end “soon,” citing rising humanitarian concerns. “It’s got to get over with because, between the hunger and all of the other problems—worse than hunger, death, pure death—people being killed,” Trump said, noting a “very serious diplomatic push” is underway.

Israel, however, denies that Gaza is facing famine, asserting that policies are in place to prevent starvation. Netanyahu has dismissed the UN’s famine declaration, and Trump did not provide details on potential US actions if the conflict continues or specifics on the diplomatic efforts.

Domestically, Netanyahu is also under pressure, with public polls showing most Israelis favour a deal that secures the hostages even if Hamas remains intact. 

Israeli officials have said the army will provide warnings to Gaza City’s one million residents before the full-scale operation begins, allowing civilians to move south, where expanded aid distribution will be available.

The current conflict traces back to October 7, 2023, when Hamas—designated a terrorist organisation by the US and many other countries—carried out an incursion into Israel, killing 1,200 people and abducting 250. Israel has lost over 450 soldiers in Gaza combat since the start of the war.

By Tamilla Hasanova