Talks between Israel & Hamas offer hopes of lasting ceasefire

CRUCIAL talks between Israel and Hamas are set to begin today, offering hope of a ceasefire in Gaza.

- BY MATTHEW YOUNG in London and CHRIS HUGHES in Tel Aviv

Ahead of tomorrow's two-year anniversary of the Hamas attacks that sparked the war, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a hostage release could be announced this week.

Under a US peace plan supported by Israel, within three days, Hamas would free the remaining 48 hostages taken on October 7, 2023, 20 of whom are believed to be alive.

Hamas would also give up power and disarm. US President Donald Trump has welcomed a Hamas statement accepting elements of the plan, but he told CNN there would be “complete obliteration” if Hamas stayed in power.