An aide to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Tel Aviv is giving Hamas until mid-September to agree on a ceasefire deal that includes the return of the remaining fifty hostages, dismantling the movement’s government, and disarming it. The aide, who requested anonymity, told Bloomberg on Tuesday that Israel will complete military preparations to launch an operation in Gaza if Hamas does not agree to the deal. Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen told Israeli Broadcasting Corporation on Tuesday, “We want to be in a position to return all fifty hostages according to our terms.” He added, “We will not allow Hamas to rehabilitate its military wing and reorganize its ranks for years to come.” The Israeli government faces pressure to end the war that has resulted in over 62,000 Palestinian deaths and what UN agencies have described as a famine crisis.

Former US President Donald Trump, an ally of Netanyahu who has called for Hamas’s downfall, said on Monday he wants the war to end “soon,” indicating Washington’s impatience. During a meeting at the White House with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, Trump said he is in frequent contact with the Israeli Prime Minister and told him the war must end “soon.” He added, “I think within the next two or three weeks, there will be a good and decisive end.” Trump did not specify what the US would do if the Israeli campaign continues, nor did he provide details on any diplomatic moves.