Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC), announced that he has instructed his government to begin immediate negotiations aimed at securing the release of all Israeli captives held in Gaza Strip.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Did Not Clarify Clear Position
In a video statement released by his office on Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared: “I have given instructions to start negotiations immediately to release all our hostages and to end the war under conditions acceptable to Israel.”
However, he did not clarify his position on the latest proposal presented by mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, which Hamas had already accepted earlier this week.
Israel Pushes for Military Offensive in Gaza
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that Israel is at a “decisive stage,” noting that he has reviewed military plans presented by the Israeli Defense Minister and army leadership.
These plans focus on a full-scale invasion of Gaza City to achieve what he described as “victory over Hamas.”
This announcement came just one day after Israel approved a major military operation to seize control of Gaza City, which includes the mobilization of 60,000 reserve soldiers.
Israeli Prime Minister decision has fueled growing international concern about the worsening humanitarian crisis facing over two million Palestinians in the besieged enclave.
Security Cabinet to Discuss Gaza Occupation Plans
According to Israel’s public broadcaster, the security cabinet is scheduled to meet tonight to discuss the military plans for occupying Gaza, alongside updates on ongoing diplomatic efforts for a possible prisoner exchange deal.
An Israeli official, however, stated that Israel will not send a negotiating team to Cairo or Doha at this stage.
Since the war began in October 2023, multiple rounds of indirect negotiations have taken place under the mediation of Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S.
These efforts resulted in two temporary truces, during which limited prisoner exchanges occurred, but no final agreement was reached to end the war or secure the release of all captives.
Casualties and Humanitarian Toll in Gaza
According to official figures, of the 251 captives taken during Al-Aqsa Flood operation on October 7, 2023, 49 remain in Gaza, including 27 whom Israel claims have died.
Meanwhile, Israel’s U.S.-backed military campaign has resulted in what human rights groups describe as genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
Since October 2023, Israeli attacks have killed over 62,000 Palestinians and injured more than 157,000 others, according to Gaza Ministry of Health.
Additionally, 271 Palestinians, including 112 children, have died from starvation as Israel continues to block humanitarian aid and enforce forced displacement, despite international appeals and rulings by the International Court of Justice calling for an end to the war.
