Israel Has Not Agreed Ceasefire or Release, Says Netanyahu
In a recent statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clarified that Israel has not agreed to any ceasefire or prisoner release with Hamas. Instead, the agreement only covers a safe corridor to facilitate the release of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander. This announcement came on Monday amid ongoing tensions in the region.
Israel was informed the day before about Hamas’ intention to release Alexander, the last surviving US hostage. This gesture is seen as a goodwill move toward then-President Donald Trump after four-party discussions involving Hamas, the United States, Egypt, and Qatar.
Hostage Release and Ongoing Military Preparations
The release of Edan Alexander could happen as early as Monday and might pave the way for freeing the remaining 59 hostages held in Gaza. However, Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized that Israeli forces will continue their preparations to intensify military operations in the area.
His office explained, “The negotiations will continue under fire, during preparations for an intensification of the fighting.” This indicates that despite diplomatic efforts, military actions remain a priority.
Hamas Talks and Diplomatic Encouragement
Hamas announced on Sunday that it had coordinated with the United States and agreed to release Alexander. This development was welcomed by Arab mediators Qatar and Egypt, who see it as a positive step toward resuming ceasefire talks in the conflict-ridden Gaza Strip.
The talks took place shortly before then-President Trump’s planned trip to the Gulf, which notably did not include a visit to Israel.
US-Israel Relations and Pressure on the Government
US officials have been working to ease Israeli concerns about a possible cooling of ties with the Trump administration. Last week, Trump declared the end of a US campaign against the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen, despite their continued missile attacks on Israel.
Meanwhile, families of hostages and their supporters in Israel have urged the government to secure the release of those still captive in Gaza. Netanyahu, however, is facing strong opposition from hardliners within his cabinet who resist ending the war prematurely.
Plans to Intensify Operations in Gaza
Last week, Netanyahu announced plans to escalate the military campaign in Gaza. Officials have suggested that Israeli forces could potentially take full control of the territory.
As the situation unfolds, the balance between negotiation and military action remains delicate, with the safety of hostages and national security both hanging in the balance.