Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, stated on Sunday that the military pressure Israel was exerting on Hamas in Gaza was effective. Speaking during a Cabinet meeting, Netanyahu emphasized that Hamas, recognized as a terrorist organization by Israel, the US, Germany, and others, must relinquish its weaponry.
The Israeli premier’s remarks came as Egypt, Qatar, and the United States continued their efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza aimed at securing the release of the hostages held by Hamas. On the same day, Israeli strikes on Gaza persisted as Muslims celebrated the first day of Eid al-Fitr, resulting in the deaths of at least eight, including five children, in the southern Khan Younis area.
Netanyahu denied assertions that Israel was not engaged in negotiations to secure the release of the hostages held by Hamas since October 7, 2023. He stated, “We are negotiating under fire,” and argued that the negotiation strategy was yielding results, as cracks were beginning to appear in Hamas’ demands.
Since the October 7 attacks, during which 1,200 Israelis were killed and 251 individuals taken hostage, Israel has launched air and ground operations in Gaza. Health authorities in the Hamas-administered Gaza Strip have reported over 50,200 Palestinian fatalities since then.
A fragile ceasefire that saw a period of calm and the release of numerous Israeli hostages ended on March 18 when Israel resumed its air and ground operations in the Palestinian territory. A senior Hamas official has stated that the group has approved a new ceasefire proposal, urging Israel to support it. Netanyahu’s office confirmed receipt of the proposal and added that Israel had submitted a counteroffer in full coordination with the US.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu also affirmed that Israel would ensure general security in Gaza and enable the implementation of the “voluntary migration plan,” also known as the Trump plan. Critics have widely rejected the proposal, especially Palestinians and neighboring Arab countries, with Egypt leading a campaign to offer an alternative reconstruction plan that doesn’t involve the displacement of Gazans. The UN has warned that the US plan could equate to ethnic cleansing and violate international law.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/netanyahu-says-hamas-leaders-will-be-allowed-to-leave-gaza/a-72088327?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
