Bangladesh, Oct. 5 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed cautious optimism that a breakthrough may finally be near in the months-long hostage crisis that has gripped both Israel and Gaza. Following Hamas announcement that it had agreed to release Israeli captives under a US-brokered peace plan, Netanyahu declared on October 4 that he expects to announce the hostages release “in the coming days.” Yet, his statement was tempered by a familiar warning – that Hamas will be disarmed and Gaza demilitarized “one way or another,” underscoring the deep mistrust that continues to shape the fragile peace process.

The apparent progress follows a new diplomatic push led by US President Donald Trump, ...