Jerusalem/ Saeed Amouri/ Anadolu Agency
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Sunday that the plan approved by his government and welcomed by US President Joe Biden would allow Israel to return the hostages “without compromising the other goals of the war.”
Netanyahu said in a statement issued by his office, which was reviewed by Anadolu Agency: “The plan that we approved and that Biden welcomed will allow Israel to return the hostages without compromising the other goals of the war.”
He added: “Any agreement (with the Palestinian factions) will allow Israel to resume fighting (later) until all the war’s goals are achieved.”
He continued: “There will be no smuggling of weapons to Hamas from Egypt to the Gaza border,” he said.
Netanyahu claimed that “his position once morest the attempt to stop the Israeli army’s operations in Rafah (southern Gaza Strip) is what pushed Hamas to enter into negotiations.”
He added: “There will be no return of thousands of militants to the northern Gaza Strip.”
Regarding the number of prisoners likely to be released as part of the potential deal, Netanyahu said: “We will increase the number of living hostages who will be released from Hamas captivity.”
On Saturday, the Hebrew newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth (private) quoted unnamed informed sources as saying that the negotiating delegation “will leave on Monday to continue negotiations on the deal.”
According to official Israeli reports, indirect negotiations between Tel Aviv and Hamas have resumed to reach an agreement to exchange Israeli prisoners for Palestinian prisoners and a ceasefire in Gaza.
For months, mediation efforts led by the United States, Qatar and Egypt have been trying to reach an agreement between Israel and Hamas that would include a prisoner exchange from both sides and a ceasefire, leading to ensuring the entry of humanitarian aid into the Palestinian Strip.
However, mediation efforts were hampered by Netanyahu’s refusal to respond to Hamas’ demands to stop the war.
Since October 7, Israel has been waging a devastating war on Gaza with American support, leaving more than 125,000 Palestinians dead and wounded, most of them children and women, and more than 10,000 missing amid massive destruction and famine that has claimed the lives of dozens of children.
Tel Aviv continues the war, ignoring the UN Security Council resolutions to stop it immediately, and the International Court of Justice orders to take measures to prevent acts of genocide and improve the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
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Israel’s Stance on Hostage Release and War Aims: A Breakdown of Netanyahu’s Statements
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has outlined his government’s position on the potential release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, emphasizing the need to achieve all of Israel’s war aims in Gaza before any prisoner swap is finalized.
Key Points:
- Netanyahu stated that the plan approved by his government and welcomed by US President Joe Biden will allow Israel to return the hostages without compromising other war objectives.
- He clarified that any agreement with Palestinian factions would allow Israel to resume fighting until all its war goals are achieved.
- He also asserted that there will be no smuggling of weapons to Hamas from Egypt to the Gaza border and no return of militants to the northern Gaza Strip.
- Netanyahu insisted that Israel will increase the number of living hostages released from Hamas captivity.
Negotiations and Mediation Efforts:
- Indirect negotiations between Tel Aviv and Hamas have resumed, aiming for an agreement on a prisoner exchange and a ceasefire in Gaza.
- Mediation efforts led by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt have been ongoing for months, seeking an agreement that includes a prisoner exchange and a ceasefire to allow for humanitarian aid to enter the Gaza Strip.
- Netanyahu’s refusal to respond to Hamas demands to stop the war has hampered these efforts.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza:
- Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza, with American support, has resulted in over 125,000 Palestinians killed and wounded, a majority of whom are children and women.
- More than 10,000 Palestinians are missing, and the situation in Gaza is characterized by massive destruction, famine, and a dire humanitarian crisis.
- Despite UN Security Council resolutions calling for an immediate end to the war and International Court of Justice orders to prevent acts of genocide and improve the humanitarian situation, Tel Aviv continues its military operations.
It is crucial to note that the information provided in this article is based on official statements and media reports. The situation in Gaza remains complex and evolving, and it is important to consult multiple sources and stay informed.