Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on August 21, 2025, that he has instructed officials to begin immediate negotiations for the release of all hostages held in Gaza and to seek an end to the nearly two-year-old war on terms acceptable to Israel. While preparations for a potential military assault on Gaza City are advancing, Netanyahu has not yet given final approval for the operation. He plans to convene Israel's top decision-making forum to discuss prospects for a deal to wind down the conflict. Despite Hamas approving a cease-fire and prisoner release agreement, Israel’s security cabinet met on August 26 without discussing a cease-fire, with Netanyahu insisting on a full agreement. Nationwide protests in Israel are demanding the release of hostages. Netanyahu emphasized that the conflict began in Gaza, will end in Gaza, and vowed to defeat Israel's enemies and recover the hostages.