Israeli President Isaac Herzog has publicly stated Israel's willingness to accept a second temporary ceasefire aimed at securing the release of the remaining 130 hostages. This stands in contrast to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's stance, who is unwilling to halt the invasion unless Hamas is decisively defeated.
Addressing 80 envoys, Herzog expressed gratitude for their nations' efforts in the hostage release and emphasized Israel's readiness for another humanitarian pause. He specified that the responsibility for the release lies with Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and the leadership of Hamas.
Despite Herzog's offer, a U.S. administration official mentioned that a deal is not "imminent." Discussions involving U.S., Israeli, and Qatari officials are ongoing. CIA Director Bill Burns met with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and David Barnea, the head of Israel's Mossad spy agency, on Monday.
The November ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, initially set for four days, was extended for a week. During this pause, over 100 Israeli hostages held since the October 7 terrorist attacks were released. However, hostilities resumed after Hamas failed to fulfill the agreement, and no hostages have been freed since. Israeli forces accidentally killed three hostages last week.
Israeli leaders have consistently asserted that they won't cease military efforts until capturing or eliminating Hamas leaders, removing the group from power in Gaza, and stripping it of military capabilities. The Biden administration and Israeli supporters argue against a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire before Hamas is ousted from power. Concerns include potential future attacks by Hamas on Israel, despite U.S. officials urging Israel to do more to prevent civilian casualties. The death toll in Gaza is nearing 20,000 since the onset of Israel's war approximately 10 weeks ago, according to the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry.
(With Agency Inputs)
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