TEL AVIV: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that he has authorized the start of negotiations aimed at securing the release of all remaining hostages and bringing the war in Gaza to an end—under conditions acceptable to Israel.
Speaking to Israeli troops on Thursday evening, Netanyahu said his cabinet had also approved plans for a major offensive on Gaza City in the north, despite international and domestic concerns, BBC reported.
Earlier this week, Hamas accepted a ceasefire plan proposed by Qatari and Egyptian mediators, which includes a 60-day truce and the release of about half of the hostages still held in Gaza, according to Qatari officials. However, this was the first time Netanyahu responded publicly, and he did not endorse the current proposal.
Israeli media reports quoted an official saying that talks would resume once a new negotiation venue is finalized.
In a video message from the Israel Defense Forces’ Gaza Division headquarters, Netanyahu said he had ordered immediate negotiations for the release of all hostages.
He also stated that he had approved military plans to capture Gaza City and eliminate Hamas, stressing that both objectives—military defeat of Hamas and freeing the hostages—were closely linked.
Israeli authorities have voiced opposition to any ceasefire deal that secures only a partial hostage release. On Wednesday, Hamas accused Netanyahu of blocking progress by refusing the mediators’ offer.
Netanyahu’s office last week reiterated that Israel would only accept a deal that includes the simultaneous release of all hostages. Israel’s conditions for ending the war also include the dismantling of Hamas’ military capabilities, the demilitarization of Gaza, Israeli security control over the area’s perimeter, and governance in Gaza by entities unaffiliated with Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.
Of the roughly 50 hostages believed to still be held in Gaza, Israeli authorities estimate that only 20 may still be alive after nearly two years of conflict.
(Inputs from BBC)
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