Israeli MK claims: "Hamas has agreed to Netanyahu's Hostage Deal ... But Netanyahu Doesn't Care"
An Israeli lawmaker claims Hamas has caved to Prime Minister Netanyahu's demands in a new hostage deal proposal. But critics say she's ignoring key details, highlighting the deep political divides that continue to jeopardize a resolution.
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Israeli Member of Knesset Merav Michaeli claimed in a social media post today (Thursday) that Hamas has essentially capitulated to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's conditions for a hostage deal, arguing that Netanyahu no longer has an excuse to reject the proposal.
"Hamas is offering a comprehensive deal, willing to accept a technocratic government and give up direct control of Gaza," the left-wing lawmaker wrote. "This is what Netanyahu said he wanted, and now he is calling it a spin. Time and again, Netanyahu proves he is the obstacle to bringing the hostages home, ending the war, and bringing the soldiers back. He is the obstacle standing between the State of Israel and a better future for our children. We will all pay the price."
Michaeli's post followed an announcement by Hamas on Wednesday in which the group stated it would agree to the release of all hostages in exchange for "prisoners." The Hamas statement said the agreement "will end the war in the Gaza Strip, lead to the withdrawal of all occupation forces from all of the Gaza Strip, open the crossings to allow entry for all of the Strip's needs, and begin the reconstruction process." It also noted the group's "agreement to establish an independent national government of technocrats that will manage all of the Gaza Strip’s affairs."
However, analysts in Israel point out that the Hamas statement omits three key Israeli demands, which are also supported by the U.S., France, the U.K., and others.
1. Full Demilitarization: Israel demands the complete demilitarization of the Gaza Strip and the confiscation of all weapons from Hamas. The Hamas statement made no mention of giving up its weapons, which would allow it to potentially carry out future attacks.
2. Security Control: Israel demands full security control over Gaza, at least in the initial phase. Hamas's statement, by contrast, called for a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces.
3. Buffer Zone: Israel requires an agreement to maintain a buffer zone to prevent infiltration into border communities. Hamas's statement rejected this demand.
Analysts suggest that Hamas's statement was primarily aimed at an American audience and that the group's fundamental position has not changed, despite the claims made by MK Michaeli.