Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu anticipates a resolution to the ongoing hostage crisis with Hamas, hinting at an imminent deal while maintaining secrecy to prevent disruption to negotiations. Netanyahu attributes Israel's military pressure as a key factor in prompting Hamas to engage in talks about the captives' release.
Refusing to disclose specific details, Netanyahu on Sunday stated that discussing the matter prematurely could jeopardize the delicate negotiations. He emphasized the potential deal's announcement if deemed achievable, underscoring the importance of a cautious approach.
"I think the less I say about it, the more I'll increase the chances that it materializes," he told NBC News' "Meet the Press".
However, signals regarding the hostage talks are mixed and contradictory. A Biden administration official hinted at a potential deal involving the release of approximately 80 women and children in exchange for Palestinian women and teenagers held by Israel. Yet, the official acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the deal's fruition.
On the contrary, a UK-based agency reported that Hamas decided to suspend hostage negotiations due to Israel's assault on Al Shifa Hospital. The conflicting reports add complexity to the situation, leaving the outcome uncertain.
In parallel, Netanyahu firmly rejects the Biden administration's post-war vision for Gaza, asserting that the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank won't govern the war-battered enclave. Israel, according to Netanyahu, will maintain overall security control and the right to counter any resurgence of terrorism.
Netanyahu, crediting Israel's military actions for pressuring Hamas into negotiations, vowed not to yield to global pressure to relinquish control of Gaza to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. He emphasized concerns about an authority that promotes hatred towards Israel and has yet to condemn a recent massacre.
"There will... not be a civil authority that educates its children to hate Israel, to kill Israelis, to eliminate the State of Israel," Netanyahu said.
"There cannot be an authority whose leader still has not condemned the terrible massacre 30 days later," he added.
Amid the ongoing conflict, heavy artillery targeted the vicinity of Gaza's largest hospital, Al Shifa. Israeli officials claim Hamas is using the hospital as a cover for a command post, a charge Hamas vehemently denies. The situation further intensifies as civilians, purportedly taking refuge in the hospital, express fear in utilizing the provided safe corridor for evacuation to southern Gaza.
(With agency inputs)
Also Read | Demand for Justice: Tel Aviv's Monument Pushes for Hamas Death Penalty
Also Read | Popular Israeli web series 'Fauda' star Matan Meir killed in Gaza
