Netanyahu Says Hamas Leaders 'Will Be Allowed to Leave' Gaza if They Disarm

JERUSALEM (March 30, 2025) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated Sunday that Hamas leaders would be permitted to leave Gaza if the organization lays down its arms, amid ongoing efforts to negotiate a ceasefire and hostage release. Netanyahu's comments come as his government faces increasing domestic pressure regarding its handling of the war in Gaza, which began in October 2023.

Netanyahu, speaking at a cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, asserted that increased military pressure on Hamas is proving effective. He claimed that this pressure is simultaneously weakening Hamas's military and governmental capabilities while creating conditions conducive to the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. The Prime Minister stated that the cabinet voted to increase pressure on Hamas.

Conditions for a Truce

Netanyahu outlined the conditions for a final truce agreement, stating that Hamas must disarm and its leaders must leave Gaza. He further added that Israel would ensure overall security in Gaza and enable the implementation of what he referred to as the "Trump plan," a reference to a previous proposal by former U.S. President Donald Trump involving the voluntary migration of Palestinians from Gaza. This plan, announced during Trump's presidency, was widely condemned by the international community.

"We are willing. Hamas must lay down its arms... Its leaders will be allowed to leave," Netanyahu said.

Ceasefire Negotiations

Netanyahu's remarks come as mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States continue their efforts to broker a ceasefire and secure the release of Israeli hostages. A senior Hamas official stated Saturday that the group had approved a new ceasefire proposal put forward by mediators and urged Israel to support it. Netanyahu's office confirmed receipt of the proposal and said Israel had submitted a counterproposal. Details of the latest mediation efforts remain undisclosed.

Netanyahu insisted that Israel is willing to negotiate the "final stage" of a hostage release-ceasefire deal with Hamas. He said that negotiating "under fire" makes the talks more effective, claiming to see "cracks beginning to appear" in Hamas's demands.

Intensified Military Pressure

Israel resumed intensive military operations throughout Gaza on March 18, after a fragile ceasefire, in place since Jan. 19, collapsed. Netanyahu defended the escalation, stating, "We are committed to bringing back the hostages, and military and diplomatic pressure is the only thing that has worked."

Airstrikes on Khan Younis in southern Gaza reportedly killed at least 17 people, "mostly children and women," according to Nasser Hospital. One strike hit a house and a tent sheltering displaced people, killing eight, including five children, on the first day of Eid al-Fitr, the Muslim holiday marking the end of Ramadan, according to Mahmoud Bassal, spokesperson for Gaza's emergency services.

Domestic Pressure and Protests

Netanyahu's government is facing increasing local pressure from protests over its handling of the war on Gaza. Massive nationwide protests have continued against his government's policies on the return of the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. The security cabinet reportedly voted to increase pressure on Hamas amid these protests.

Hamas's Response

Hamas has stated that its "resistance weapons" are a "red line" in any ceasefire negotiations. According to reports, Hamas had agreed to release five hostages, including an American-Israeli citizen, in exchange for Israel allowing aid into Gaza and pausing hostilities. However, Israel insists on further concessions, including Hamas's complete disarmament and removal from power.

Regional Implications

Amid the ongoing conflict, the Israeli military reported activating air raid sirens in several regions after a missile was fired from Yemen. Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels later claimed they had launched a "ballistic missile" toward Ben Gurion Airport.

Looking Ahead

The situation remains fluid as negotiations continue and military operations persist. Netanyahu's insistence on Hamas's disarmament and the potential implementation of the "Trump plan" add further complexity to the already challenging path toward a lasting resolution. The coming days and weeks will be critical in determining whether a ceasefire can be reached and a path toward stability can be forged in the region.