Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that negotiations for the release of all hostages and an end to the nearly two-year war in Gaza will resume immediately. Speaking to soldiers near Israel’s border with Gaza, Netanyahu stated that he is still set on approving plans to defeat Hamas and capture Gaza City.
“We are in the decision-making stage,” Netanyahu said. “I have come to the Gaza division today to approve the plans that the army presented to me and the minister of defence for taking over Gaza City.” He added that negotiations for the release of hostages and an end to the war will begin immediately, on terms acceptable to Israel.
This development comes as thousands of Palestinians have fled their homes in recent days, fearing an impending Israeli military operation. Israeli tanks have been edging closer to the densely populated city, and residents of Gaza City staged a rare protest on Thursday, expressing growing despair at the conditions in the enclave.
Netanyahu’s remarks came ahead of a high-level security meeting with defence chiefs and cabinet ministers to approve operational plans. He emphasized that defeating Hamas and securing the release of all hostages go hand in hand, but did not specify who would be involved in the negotiations.
The Israeli prime minister’s statement is a response to a temporary ceasefire proposal, accepted by Hamas earlier this week, which was put forward by mediators from Qatar and Egypt. However, Netanyahu did not refer to the current proposal, which includes a 60-day ceasefire and the release of half of the remaining Israeli hostages.
Israeli officials believe that 50 people remain captive in Gaza, with at least 20 thought to be alive. The proposal calls for negotiations on a permanent ceasefire, including the return of remaining hostages, once the temporary ceasefire begins.
The plan to seize Gaza City was approved by the security cabinet, which Netanyahu chairs, despite many of Israel’s closest allies urging the government to reconsider. The country has called up tens of thousands of reservists to participate in the impending military operation.
In a nationwide strike on Sunday, thousands of Israelis called on Netanyahu to reach an agreement with Hamas to end the war and secure the release of the remaining captives.
As tensions continue to escalate, the international community is watching closely, with many calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. With Netanyahu’s latest statement, the situation remains uncertain, and the fate of the hostages and the future of Gaza City hang in the balance.
