Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced the initiation of negotiations aimed at securing the release of all remaining hostages and concluding the ongoing conflict in Gaza under terms deemed “acceptable to Israel.” During a visit to the Gaza division’s headquarters, Netanyahu stated that he has instructed the negotiation process to begin while also indicating that his cabinet approved plans for an extensive military operation targeting Gaza City, despite facing substantial domestic and international opposition.
Hamas has expressed willingness to engage in a 60-day ceasefire, as proposed by mediators from Qatar and Egypt, which would facilitate the release of half of the remaining hostages. However, Netanyahu has not accepted this offer, leading to Israeli media reports indicating that negotiators will be sent for further discussions once logistical details are finalized. Netanyahu explicitly stated that the objectives of defeating Hamas and securing hostage releases are interconnected, yet he did not disclose specific plans for the upcoming negotiations.
Israeli officials have recently expressed resistance to a ceasefire that would permit only a partial release of hostages. In response, Hamas accused Netanyahu of undermining the mediators’ efforts towards an agreement. A statement from Netanyahu’s office highlighted that any potential deal must involve the complete release of hostages in a single action, alongside demands for the disarmament of Hamas and a restructuring of governance within Gaza.
Reports from Gaza indicate heavy bombardment in eastern areas, following the Israeli military’s announcement of commencing the offensive in the region. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have advised medical officials and aid organizations to prepare for an anticipated evacuation of Gaza City’s population to southern shelters in advance of troop movements. However, Gaza’s health ministry has opposed any measures that could jeopardize the remaining health services. Netanyahu’s declaration of intent to assume control over the Gaza Strip follows the collapse of indirect talks with Hamas regarding a ceasefire and hostage release last month. This military campaign was launched in response to a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant casualties and hostage situations. Since then, the health ministry in Gaza states that at least 62,192 people have died in the region, with these figures being cited by the UN and other organizations as reliable.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c754kknw2g2o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss