Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued instructions for negotiations to be held for the remaining hostages’ release in Gaza, The Times of Israel reports. While the IDF has received approval for the major offensive in Gaza City to defeat Hamas, diplomatic efforts remain on the table.
“I came today to the Gaza Division in order to approve the plans that the IDF presented to me and to the defense minister for taking control of Gaza City and for defeating Hamas,” Netanyahu said in the message. “At the same time, I instructed to begin immediate negotiations for the release of all our hostages and for ending the war under conditions acceptable to Israel.”
A spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office told The Times of Israel shortly afterward that there were no plans “at this stage” to send an Israeli delegation for talks. A senior Israeli official later clarified anonymously that once a location for negotiations is determined, the premier will order the dispatch of an Israeli delegation.
Netanyahu is pushing for a full release of the remaining 50 hostages, 18 of whom are said to be deceased, and a complete disarming and removal of Hamas from Gaza. There is a deep desire for shalom, peace, in Israel. The Fellowship continues to support victims of war and terror in Israel and has done so at an unprecedented level in recent years, alleviating poverty and providing security thanks to our faithful supporters.
