Opposition leader slams Israel’s handling of captives’ return
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has called Israel’s handling of any deal to return the captives from Gaza “a failure” and “contrary to the political and security interests” of the country.
Israeli daily Maariv quoted Lapid as saying Israel needs to clarify goals for its 15-month war on Gaza.
“We should have defined many months ago what international coalition we want – mainly with Arab countries with whom we have agreements – to bring into Gaza, to work with them actively,” he said.
“The fact that the hostages have not yet been returned home is, first and foremost, a failure. There is no other word. You have unparalleled public support. The percentages of support for the hostage deal, including the cessation of the war, are in numbers I can’t remember ever equaling on controversial issues in Israel.
“You have support from the opposition. I’ve said it 1,000 times – he [Prime Minister Netanyahu] will receive a safety net from us, as long as he says what he wants. The main thing is that he brings the hostages home – and he’s not bringing them home.”
‘No hostages in Jabalia, so why are precious soldiers dying there?’ Israeli captive’s mother
The mother of a captive held in Gaza, Einav Tzangauker, has addressed Israel’s Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, demanding the return of her son and other captives.
“The return of the abductees will not happen unless Netanyahu decides to end the war,” Tzangauker said, in advocacy of her son Matan. “There are no hostages in Jabalia, so why are precious soldiers dying there?” she also questioned, referring to the area in the north of the Gaza Strip.
‘Very bold decisions’ needed for Gaza ceasefire deal to happen
Yossi Beilin, Israel’s former justice minister, has told Al Jazeera that a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel was unlikely without “very bold decisions” on both sides.
“It’s difficult for me to see the deal … there are delegations going to Qatar and Egypt. Important American decision-makers are coming to the region. Eventually, nothing is happening since months and months,” he said.
“I believe it is a situation from which we cannot get out without very bold decisions are taken on both sides. And both sides will have to take bold decisions.” Beilin said Israel should “accept that the Palestinian Authority is the major force that can renovate and re-establish the current situation in Gaza with Arab forces”.
“On the Hamas side, they will have to accept that they will not govern Gaza any more. That will be a difficult decision for them. After all that’s happened since 7 October 2023, I can’t see how Hamas will continue to govern Gaza as if nothing happened,” he added.
I can't see the PA being effective either, but you got to start somewhere. Same on the other side, Netanyahu needs to go.
Essay Pro