JERUSALEM, Israel: A senior Israeli negotiator emphasized the importance of securing the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza before agreeing to a ceasefire.
The negotiator revealed that while some hostages are confirmed to be alive, many remain in captivity, risking their lives with each passing day.
Hamas militants abducted 251 hostages on October 7, with Israel estimating that 116 are still held captive, including 41 believed to be deceased. The negotiator, speaking anonymously, expressed concern over the fate of these hostages and stressed that Israel cannot consider halting the conflict until all captives are freed.
Despite recent peace efforts outlined by US President Joe Biden, which include a proposed ceasefire and the release of hostages, Israel remains cautious. The negotiator highlighted the risk of Hamas exploiting ceasefire negotiations to prolong the conflict indefinitely, emphasizing the need for a concrete agreement before committing to cessation of hostilities.
While Israel’s negotiating team has reviewed the Biden plan, public approval from the Israeli government is still pending. In the absence of a satisfactory agreement with Hamas, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are prepared to continue their operations in Gaza with the same intensity.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, triggered by Hamas’ attack on October 7, has resulted in a significant loss of life on with death toll crossing over 37,000 in Gaza mostly women and children. Amidst the escalating violence, securing the release of hostages remains a critical priority for Israel before any consideration of ceasefire arrangements.
