Pakistan, July 11 -- JERUSALEM - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel is willing to negotiate a permanent ceasefire in Gaza during a proposed 60-day truce, but only if Hamas surrenders its weapons and military authority. His statement follows indirect talks between Israeli and Hamas delegations in Doha aimed at ending the prolonged conflict.

Speaking in a video message from Washington on Thursday, Netanyahu said the ceasefire proposal was put forward by US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. Under the plan, Hamas would release half of the 20 living Israeli hostages in exchange for the temporary truce, during which both sides could discuss a long-term agreement.

However, Netanyahu made it clear that Israel's condi...