In brief
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans to negotiate the release of hostages while signaling an upcoming offensive in Gaza City, despite significant opposition.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that negotiations will officially start to secure the release of all remaining hostages in Gaza. This announcement comes as Israel's military gears up for a significant assault on Gaza City. Speaking to troops on Thursday night, Netanyahu stated that his cabinet has approved the military's plans to take control of Gaza City, insisting that an end to hostilities must be contingent upon "acceptable" terms for Israel.Hamas recently acquiesced to a ceasefire proposal, facilitated by mediators from Qatar and Egypt, which would reportedly lead to the release of half of the remaining hostages. However, Netanyahu has so far resisted accepting the terms laid out in this proposal. In a video message issued from the Gaza division’s headquarters, he confirmed instructions had been given for immediate negotiations for all hostages' release. "Defeating Hamas and releasing all our hostages go hand in hand," he emphasized, though he did not elaborate on the specific details regarding the negotiations.Israeli officials have openly voiced their discontent with a ceasefire arrangement that pertains only to a partial release of hostages, with Netanyahu’s office previously stating that any agreement must ensure all hostages are released simultaneously. Furthermore, ending the conflict for Israel hinges on disarming Hamas, demilitarizing Gaza, and establishing a governance framework that excludes Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. Current estimates by Israel suggest that approximately 20 of the remaining 50 hostages are believed to be alive after over 22 months of ongoing warfare.Reports from Palestinian sources indicate that heavy shelling has occurred in eastern Gaza City, reflecting the escalation of military operations following recent military initiatives. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have communicated plans for the anticipated evacuation of Gaza City's population of one million residents toward southern shelters in advance of the planned offensive. Conversely, Gaza's health ministry, under Hamas governance, has condemned any actions that could compromise the territory's already strained healthcare system, with UN and humanitarian organizations pledging to remain in the area to support those unable or unwilling to evacuate.Netanyahu's firm stance on gaining complete control over Gaza marks a shift following failed indirect discussions with Hamas regarding both a ceasefire and hostages last month. The Israeli military response was ignited by a devastating Hamas attack in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and left 251 individuals taken hostage. According to Gaza's health ministry, the casualty toll within Gaza has surpassed 62,192 since the onset of the conflict, with these figures considered the most credible by various organizations, including the UN.
