Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signalled a possible willingness to accept a ceasefire with Hamas, which is a significant change of heart from Israel in the midst of the Gaza conflict. The move follows Israeli negotiators who are in talks in Doha, Qatar, considering several avenues of diplomacy, including short-term and long-term settlements.

Any final accord must meet Israel's long-standing goals, a statement from Netanyahu's office said: the release of all hostages taken by Hamas, the expulsion of Hamas members, and the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip. The statement reiterated that the negotiation team is working hard to exhaust all avenues for an agreement, either within the framework of concluding the war or according to the Witkoff draft.

The "Witkoff outline," ostensibly championed by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, provides a phased schedule starting with an interim ceasefire and the freeing of Israeli hostages. To the latter, Israel would respond by considering freeing Palestinian security prisoners, towards a complete and lasting ceasefire through sustained diplomacy.

Until then, Netanyahu had refused any ceasefire that was not permanent and did not disarm Hamas's military and ruling capacity. His earlier position permitted only a short ceasefire of around 45 days, subject to the release of around 10 hostages. 

The most recent signals from Israel's government come as increasing pressure internationally mounts to end the war, mounting civilian death tolls in Gaza, and increasing concern over the humanitarian crisis. Netanyahu's office attributes the combined approach of military and diplomatic pressure for having brought back 197 hostages to the return. However, 58 captives remain.

Yet consensus among Israel's ruling coalition is not complete. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir dismissed any agreement to conclude the war that does not end with the defeat of Hamas, saying, "A framework to conclude the war without defeating Hamas will not emerge and will not occur."

While negotiations continue, the world waits anxiously, hoping that these events can bring an end to the long conflict.