Less than a week since Israel announced what it calls the initial stages of its Gaza City offensive, where its military has begun mobilizing more than 60,000 reservists as part of its plan to expand control of the area.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meanwhile has publicly addressed a temporary truce proposal mediated by Egypt and Qatar yesterday.
Netanyahu said Israel will resume immediate negotiations aimed at ending the nearly two-year war and securing the release of hostages still held by Hamas, although only under conditions acceptable to Israel.
“I have issued instructions to begin immediate negotiations for the release of all our hostages and an end to the war on terms acceptable to Israel,” Netanyahu said.
The proposal includes a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza and the release of ten living hostages, along with the return of 18 bodies.
In exchange, Israel would release about 200 long-serving Palestinian prisoners.
However, Israel has made clear that all 50 remaining hostages must be freed at once and that it will not accept temporary releases.
If this condition is met, discussions on a permanent ceasefire could follow.
Despite this, Israel will still carry out its plan to defeat Hamas.
Even as Netanyahu expressed openness to negotiations, he approved that preparations are moving forward for a takeover on Gaza City and defeating Hamas after meeting with the Israeli military.
“I arrived today at Gaza division, to approve the plans that the Israeli army presented to me and the Minister of Defense for taking over Gaza City and defeating Hamas. I greatly appreciate the presence of the reserve soldiers and, of course, the regular army for this vital goal,” Netanyahu stated.
On the other hand, Hamas has accepted the ceasefire proposal this Monday, but strongly condemned Israel’s renewed offensive on Gaza.