Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday announced that he will approve the military’s plan to take over Gaza City, while also instructing officials to begin negotiations for the release of all hostages, according to Times of Israel.
Netanyahu made the statement in a pre-recorded message outside the Israel Defence Force’s (IDF) Gaza Division headquarters, where he met with Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and other defence officials to review and approve the proposal.
“I came today to the Gaza Division to approve the plans that the IDF presented for taking control of Gaza City and defeating Hamas,” Netanyahu said. “At the same time, I instructed immediate negotiations for the release of all our hostages and for ending the war under conditions acceptable to Israel.”
The announcement comes several days after Hamas agreed to a ceasefire proposal that would see half of the hostages released and initiate talks to free the remainder. However, Netanyahu stated that Israel will only agree to halt operations as part of a comprehensive deal for all 50 remaining captives. It is unclear if Thursday’s statement represents any significant shift in the state of negotiations.
A spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed there are no immediate plans to dispatch an Israeli delegation, though envoys will be sent once a venue for talks is decided. It also remains unclear whether Netanyahu’s statement was coordinated with Arab mediators involved in ongoing ceasefire discussions.
The framework proposed by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff would see Hamas release 10 living hostages and the bodies of 18 slain captives in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire and the release of hundreds of Palestinian security prisoners. During this ceasefire, negotiations would begin for a permanent end to the conflict and release of the remaining 22 hostages.
Israel had previously approved a similar framework but has yet to formally respond. Netanyahu’s comments leave open the possibility of both a negotiated settlement and military escalation. (Agencies)
