Israel's Foreign Ministry Issues Statement

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated during a conversation with reporters that the war could end immediately if Hamas releases the hostages held in Gaza and lays down its weapons. This was reported by Reuters.

In response, senior Hamas official Bassem Naim informed the publication that they will not lay down their weapons but will free all hostages if Israel agrees to end the war and withdraws its forces from the Gaza Strip.