Trump Wants A Ceasefire, Israeli PM Ngotot Musnahkan Hamas From Gaza

JAKARTA - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for the destruction of Hamas in his first public statement since US President Donald Trump's announcement of a 60-day ceasefire proposal.

"There will be no Hamas. There will be no 'Hamastan'. We're not going back there. It's over," Netanyahu said in a meeting organized by the Trans-Israel pipeline.

There is growing public pressure on Netanyahu to reach a permanent ceasefire and end a war that has lasted nearly two years.

But such a move was opposed by members of the hardline from the ruling coalition of his right wing.

At the same time, US and Israeli attacks on nuclear sites in Iran and the ceasefire agreed in Israel-Iran air warfare over 12 days last month had put pressure on Hamas, which is backed by Tehran. Israeli leaders believe with Iran's weakening, other countries in the region have the opportunity to establish ties with Israel.

Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Israel was serious about reaching a hostage-taking and ceasefire deal.

"There are some positive signs. I don't want to say more than that right now. But our goal is to start close talks as soon as possible," he said while visiting Estonia.

Of the 50 hostages detained by Hamas, about 20 people are believed to be alive.

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid said his party could provide a safety net if any cabinet member opposed to the deal, effectively pledging not to support a vote of distrust in parliament that could overthrow the government.

In late May, Hamas said it was seeking changes to the US-backed ceasefire proposal. Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, said this was "completely unacceptable."

The proposal involved a 60-day ceasefire and the release of half of the hostages detained by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and the bodies of other Palestinians. Hamas will release the remaining hostages as part of the deal that guarantees the end of the war.

Sources close to Hamas said its leaders are expected to debate the proposal and seek clarification from the mediators before providing an official response.