Trump claims Gaza War will reach ‘conclusive end’ within weeks

He added that there has been "a very serious diplomatic push" from Washington to bring about an end to the war."

The US has been heavily involved in mediating talks between Israel and Hamas, including formulating the latest ceasefire proposal.

Last week, Hamas confirmed it had accepted the prospective deal, but there has not yet been a formal response from Israel.

The agreement, based on a framework developed by US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff, would entail a 60-day truce and partial release of the hostages across two phases in return for IDF withdrawal and a commitment from Jerusalem not to return to war.

Following the announcement, Netanyahu confirmed that Israeli diplomats would return to negotiations, but indicated that Jerusalem would not accept any deal unless it included the immediate release of all hostages and the surrender and disarmament of Hamas.

In a video message recorded for the IDF's Southern Command, he said: "We are at the stage of decisive victory. I came today to the Gaza Division in order to approve the plans that the IDF presented to me and to the Defence Minister for taking control of [Gaza city] and for defeating Hamas.

"At the same time, I instructed [officials] to begin immediate negotiations for the release of all our hostages and for ending the war under conditions acceptable to Israel.

"These two things — the defeat of Hamas and the release of all our hostages — go hand in hand."

Netanyahu scheduled a Security Cabinet meeting for Tuesday afternoon, but it is understood that ministers would not be discussing the latest ceasefire proposal.

It comes amid a fresh wave of pro-deal protests in Israel, led by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which saw activists block roads and gather outside the homes of ministers to read the names of those still held by Hamas.

Speaking at Tel Aviv's Hostages Square, Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan remains in captivity, hit out at the government for failing to secure his release.

She said: "[The government] attacked captivity survivors and the families of the hostages - all in an attempt to silence them.

"We have a wonderful nation but there is no government.

"Only with our strength can we bring about a comprehensive agreement and an end to the war. The government abandoned them but the nation will bring them back.”