Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Initiates Negotiations for Hostage Release and End to Gaza Conflict
TEL AVIV — In a bold move, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced the start of negotiations for the release of all remaining hostages and the cessation of the war in Gaza, under terms deemed “acceptable to Israel”.
Addressing Israeli troops on Thursday night, Netanyahu revealed that his cabinet had given the green light for a massive assault on Gaza City in the northern region of the territory, despite facing opposition both internationally and domestically.
Hamas had previously signaled acceptance of a proposal put forth by Qatari and Egyptian mediators for a 60-day ceasefire, which would result in the release of half of the remaining hostages in Gaza, as stated by Qatar.
However, Netanyahu, in his first response to the deal, has not yet agreed to the terms currently on the table.
Reports from Israeli media indicate that negotiators will be deployed for further discussions once a suitable location has been identified.
During a video statement made at the Gaza division’s headquarters in Israel on Thursday night, Netanyahu declared, “I have instructed to immediately begin negotiations for the release of all our hostages.”
He added, “I have come to approve the IDF’s (Israel Defense Forces) plans to take control of Gaza City and defeat Hamas.”
Emphasizing the interconnectedness of defeating Hamas and securing the release of hostages, Netanyahu hinted at upcoming talks without divulging specific details.
Israeli officials have voiced strong opposition this week against a ceasefire agreement that would only result in a partial release of hostages.
Hamas, on the other hand, accused Netanyahu of ignoring the mediators’ ceasefire proposal and impeding progress towards an agreement.
Israel’s stance has been firm, with Netanyahu’s office stating that any agreement must entail the simultaneous release of all hostages, along with conditions such as Hamas disarmament, Gaza demilitarization, Israeli control of the Gaza perimeter, and the establishment of non-Hamas, non-Palestinian Authority governance.
Estimates suggest that only 20 of the initial 50 hostages are believed to be still alive after nearly two years of conflict.
Amid escalating tensions, Palestinians reported heavy bombardment in eastern areas of Gaza City on Thursday, following the military’s initiation of offensive actions.
The IDF issued warnings to medical personnel and international organizations to prepare for the imminent evacuation of Gaza City’s entire population of one million residents to shelters in the south ahead of military operations.
Despite the impending displacement, Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry rejected any measures that could further strain the already fragile health system.
Netanyahu’s announcement of Israel’s intention to assume control of the entire Gaza Strip comes after failed negotiations with Hamas for a ceasefire and hostage release last month.
The conflict began in response to a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel in October 2023, resulting in numerous casualties and hostages being taken.
Since then, over 62,000 lives have been lost in Gaza, according to the territory’s health ministry, with these figures being cited as the most reliable by the UN and other organizations. — BBC
