Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared to confirm on Saturday that new negotiations are in progress to recover hostages held by Hamas. The revelation follows a meeting between Israel’s intelligence chief, David Barnea of Mossad, and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who is mediating in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In a televised press conference a day after Israeli forces mistakenly killed three hostages held by Hamas, Netanyahu declared the conflict as an existential war that must be fought until victory, asserting that Gaza would be demilitarized and under Israeli security control.
While acknowledging serious criticisms of Qatar, Netanyahu stated that the current focus is on completing the recovery of hostages, alluding to Qatar’s ties to Hamas and Iran, Israel’s arch-foe.
Hamas, in a statement, affirmed its position not to open negotiations unless the aggression against their people ceases. Israel’s intensified offensive in Gaza, resulting from a surprise cross-border assault by Hamas in October, has escalated tensions, leading to thousands of casualties and the capture of hostages.
As Israel faces pressure to secure the release of those held, ongoing diplomatic efforts hint at a possible new Gaza truce and a deal involving a prisoner and hostage exchange. The situation remains complex, with the international community urging de-escalation and focused operations against Hamas leaders.
In the wake of the recent mistaken killing of hostages and the continuing conflict, calls for restraint and diplomatic resolutions have intensified globally. U.S. President Joe Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, has urged Israel to scale down its Gaza campaign and transition to more narrowly targeted operations against Hamas leaders, acknowledging the need for intensive discussions on timing between allies.
The conflict’s wider ramifications are evident, with Yemen’s Houthi rebels claiming an attack on the Israeli Red Sea resort of Eilat and disruptions to commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing efforts to address the complex geopolitical challenges and achieve a peaceful resolution. Source: REUTERS
