 "Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. Source: Reuters.")
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly told his cabinet that “military pressure is working” against Hamas, a day after Israel filed a counter-proposal to Egyptian mediators to resume the ceasefire in Gaza.
“It works because it acts simultaneously,” Netanyahu said at the start of the meeting.
“On the one hand, it crushes Hamas’s military and governmental capabilities, and on the other hand, it creates the conditions for the release of our hostages,” he added.
Netanyahu promises Hamas leaders safe exit if…
Netanyahu said the fact that Israel was negotiating ‘under fire’ made talks much more effective.
“We see that there are suddenly cracks,” he said.
He further stated that once a ceasefire is implemented, Hamas leaders will be allowed to leave Gaza if they agree to lay down their weapons.
“We are ready,” Netanyahu says. “Hamas will lay down its weapons. Its leaders will be allowed to leave. We will ensure general security in the Gaza Strip and enable the implementation of the Trump plan, the voluntary immigration plan.”
Earlier on Saturday, Hamas agreed to a proposal which included releasing five Israeli hostages each week in exchange of the ceasefire with phase 1 conditions. However, the militant group ruled out giving up arms as Israel demanded.
Attacks continue in Gaza
Hamas’ health authorities on Sunday reported that at least 20 people were killed in Israeli strikes on the first day of the Muslim Eid al-Fitr holiday.
Since Israel resumed its attacks in Gaza on March 18, hundreds of Palestinians have been killed, and tens of thousands have been forced to evacuate areas in northern Gaza where they had returned after the January ceasefire agreement.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsIsrael has not provided details on how long its troops will remain in the enclave but has reaffirmed its goal of crushing Hamas’ military and government capacities.
“We will ensure general security in the Gaza Strip and enable the implementation of the Trump plan, the voluntary emigration plan,” Netanyahu said. “That is the plan, we do not hide it, we are ready to discuss it at any time.”
US President Donald Trump had proposed to shift the entire 2.3 million population of Gaza to countries including Egypt and Jordan, and develop the Gaza Strip as a US-owned resort. While the Israeli military and intelligence initially cast doubt over the feasibility of the plan, the Netanyahu government has expressed its full support and interest.