In brief
Netanyahu emphasizes the dual goals of defeating Hamas and securing the release of hostages, despite international criticism of his approach.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that negotiations are set to commence for the release of all remaining hostages held in Gaza, while also preparing for a substantial military assault on Gaza City. Speaking to troops Thursday night, Netanyahu asserted that his cabinet has approved plans to escalate military actions despite mounting international and domestic backlash.According to Netanyahu, although Hamas has agreed to a ceasefire proposed by Qatari and Egyptian intermediaries that would allow for the release of half of the hostages within 60 days, Israel is not willing to accept the current proposal. In a video statement from the Gaza division headquarters, he stated, "I have instructed to immediately begin negotiations for the release of all our hostages," adding that Israel is poised to execute plans to gain control of Gaza City and diminish Hamas’s strength. Israeli officials have expressed opposition to any ceasefire arrangements that do not guarantee the complete release of hostages. Netanyahu's office indicated that Israel's agreement hinges on securing the release of all hostages at once. Furthermore, he outlined that terms for ending the conflict would require disarming Hamas, demilitarizing Gaza, establishing Israeli control over the Gaza perimeter, and ensuring governance free from Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.Casualty figures indicate the severe toll of the ongoing conflict, with reports estimating that only 20 of the 50 hostages are believed alive after 22 months of warfare. Meanwhile, as Israeli forces intensify their campaign, heavy bombardments have reportedly affected the eastern areas of Gaza City. The IDF has prepared for the potential evacuation of Gaza City’s population of one million to southern shelters, although Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry has declined to cooperate with evacuation efforts, citing risks to the health system. After months of indirect negotiations surrounding the ceasefire and hostage release deals, Netanyahu's recent pronouncement emphasizes Israel's accelerated military objective in the Gaza Strip that has escalated since the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant casualties. The health ministry in Gaza reports at least 62,192 deaths since the escalation began, a figure corroborated by various international agencies, marking a humanitarian crisis on an unprecedented scale.
