Netanyahu says Hamas must disarm, leave Gaza for final truce deal

Amid increasing local pressure from protests over his government's handling of the war on Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his cabinet that "military pressure is working".

"It works because it acts simultaneously," he said. "On the one hand, it crushes Hamas’ military and governmental capabilities, and on the other hand, it creates the conditions for the release of our hostages."

Netanyahu added that his government voted on Saturday to increase pressure on Hamas.

The initial ceasefire deal would have led to the release of the remaining Israeli captives during the second phase - a stage Israel reportedly refused to enter, preferring a military approach.

Netanyahu said that his government will continue negotiations but "under fire", claiming this method will make talks more effective.

For the final stage of the truce, the Israeli leader says Hamas will have to lay down its arms and leave, allowing Israel to help implement US President Donald Trump's mass expulsion plan for Gaza.

"Hamas will lay down its weapons," Netanyahu said. "Its leaders will be allowed to leave. We will ensure general security in the Gaza Strip and enable the implementation of the Trump plan, the voluntary immigration plan."