
A senior Hamas official, Khalil al-Hayya, who holds the position of deputy to the group’s leader, Yahya Sinwar, stated to Al Jazeera on Sunday that any agreement involving the release of hostages and a ceasefire would be contingent upon the withdrawal of IDF forces from the Philadelphi and Netzarim corridors.
Regarding the recent efforts to negotiate a deal, al-Hayya noted that “several technical committees continued the discussions, but [Hamas] did not take part in them and they did not reach any results.”
The Biden administration has been advocating for a framework to establish a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages, a plan that President Joe Biden first proposed in May. However, Hamas has consistently rejected all offers presented.
Two Egyptian security officials informed Reuters last Sunday that negotiations in Cairo aimed at reaching a potential ceasefire and hostage release agreement concluded without any consensus.
Last Thursday, the security cabinet made the decision to maintain the presence of IDF troops along the Philadelphi Corridor, which is part of a potential agreement for the release of hostages.
The decision was supported by eight cabinet members, while Defense Minister Yoav Gallant opposed it, and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir chose to abstain from voting.
On Sunday, following the recovery of the bodies of six hostages who had been recently killed by Hamas, Gallant urged Israel to reconsider its stance on holding the Philadelphi corridor.
“The cabinet must gather immediately and reverse the decision made on Thursday. It is too late for the hostages who were murdered in cold blood. We must bring back the hostages that are still being held by Hamas. The State of Israel will pursue all Hamas leaders and murderers,” Gallant declared.
In response, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich countered Gallant’s statement, saying, “The Cabinet will not allow a deal of surrender that would harm Israel’s security. Intelligence and national responsibility must prevail and guide our decision-making.
{Matzav.com Israel}
You can thank the Israeli leftists who keep demanding that Netanyahu capitulate to Hamas and agree to a “deal” at all costs!
Send him to 70 very quickly. And he should prepare another 70 for Sinwar asap.
We’ll just destroy the enemy and really win instead. No problem!
Why is this ugly pig still alive?