Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel will free hostages and defeat Hamas as troops prepare to enter Gaza City. Image credit: Reuters
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he has ordered negotiations for the release of hostages in Gaza, but only “on terms acceptable to Israel.” At the same time, he insists the military will move ahead with plans to capture Gaza City and defeat Hamas.
Netanyahu released a video message Thursday before a high-level security meeting with defense chiefs and cabinet ministers. The talks focused on approving plans for a ground push into Gaza City. “We are at the decisive stage,” Netanyahu said. “Defeating Hamas and securing the release of all hostages go hand in hand.”
It is the first time Netanyahu has publicly addressed ceasefire efforts since Hamas responded positively to a proposal from Qatari and Egyptian mediators earlier this week. That plan calls for a 60-day truce and the release of half of the hostages still in Gaza. Israeli officials believe 50 remain, with about 20 confirmed alive.
Netanyahu did not mention the proposal or say who received his order to open talks. Instead, he stressed that Israel wants a full deal to free all hostages and meet Israel’s conditions for ending the war.
Meanwhile, Israel is preparing for a major offensive. Tens of thousands of reservists have been called up, and troops are already positioned outside Gaza City. On Wednesday, Netanyahu instructed the military to shorten its timeline. He later confirmed he had approved plans to seize Gaza City and “decisively defeat Hamas.”
Two Israeli officials said Netanyahu is keeping negotiations secret. For now, Israel continues to balance talks on hostages with preparations for a full assault, leaving open the possibility of only a partial deal.
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