Hamas accuses Israeli PM of thwarting truce talks
Senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi says Netanyahu is proposing “impossible conditions” aimed at thwarting the possibility of reaching a ceasefire and captive-prisoner swap.
Netanyahu is refusing to commit to components of the agreement he already approved in the past, Mardawi said on his Telegram channel.
The prime minister insists on releasing only 10 captives instead of freeing all in one phase, he added.
“Netanyahu is lying when he claims he is not involved in choosing the names of the hostages [to be released in the deal],” Mardawi wrote. “He does not want a deal.”
Netanyahu remains silent on potential Gaza ceasefire
There’s been nothing official from the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, regarding the push for a ceasefire. Last week, he had said mediators were constantly talking to negotiators behind the scenes to try and secure a 60-day pause in the fighting.
This is a proposal that was put forward by the US back in March in an effort to extend phase one of the ceasefire deal that Israel had violated when it resumed its attacks on the Gaza Strip.
Now, Netanyahu is under a lot of pressure as Trump has been quite outspoken for some time that he wants to see a ceasefire in Gaza. And prior to Israel’s attacks on Iran just about two weeks ago, there was a lot of pressure from European allies because of the Israeli military’s conduct in the Gaza Strip.
Israeli cabinet to discuss partial deal for Gaza amid fears it could become permanent
Israel’s centre-right news outlet Israel Hayom is reporting that the cabinet will hold a special session tonight on the future of military operations in Gaza.
The report said security leaders, coalition bloc leaders, and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer are expected to discuss a partial deal and a temporary ceasefire.
Chief of Staff General Eyal Zamir is scheduled to report on the progress of combat operations, potentially fuelling debate over the extent of Israeli control in Gaza versus Hamas. While the army is expected to claim that it has nearly completed the major ground offensive in Gaza, some government officials are set to reject this, maintaining that Hamas has not yet been defeated and that Israel’s war goals have not been achieved.
The report added that the “Witkoff Plan” – named after US envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff – is seen as the most likely path forward. It would allow for a temporary ceasefire and a captive-prisoner exchange, but would not preclude a resumption of fighting later. Zamir is said to support this approach, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintains his declared goals of wanting to destroy Hamas.
Still, some cabinet ministers fear that if Washington applies enough pressure, a temporary Gaza deal could lead to a “permanent situation.”
Egypt says working on 60-day Gaza ceasefire
Egypt’s foreign minister said his country is working on a new Gaza deal that includes a 60-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of some Israeli captives and the rapid entry of humanitarian aid into the besieged enclave.
“We’re working toward a durable solution and a permanent ceasefire,” Badr Abdelatty said in a televised interview with the local OnTV television. He said the proposal is a joint effort by Egypt, Qatar and the US and represents “a first step” towards a sustainable ceasefire.
“What’s on the table now is a 60-day truce in exchange for the release of a number of Israeli hostages and the swift delivery of aid to Gaza, including medical supplies,” he said, adding that this move “would create momentum to move towards a lasting ceasefire, eventually leading to the implementation of the January 19 agreement”.
