"The Only Thing We'll Agree To": Israel Conveys a Decisive Message to Hamas
After months of discussions and conducting contacts with Hamas, Israel has now conveyed a decisive and firm message to the terrorist organization. Now Israel is waiting to see what its response will be.
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Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, who is responsible for the hostage issue, conveyed an unambiguous message to the mediators that Israel is now prepared to discuss only a comprehensive agreement to end the war in exchange for the release of the hostages, as reported today (Thursday) by Ariel Kahana.
It was also reported that according to the Prime Minister's directive, Dermer clarified that from Israel's perspective, Hamas has been misleading the sides for months. Therefore, Israel is now prepared only for a comprehensive deal to end the war that would include the demands to dismantle Hamas of its weapons and ensure that it no longer rules Gaza.
A source involved in the details noted that this is currently the Israeli consensus demand from both right and left. He added that if Hamas does not agree, Israel will turn to military victory in Gaza.
The Defense Minister and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir met today to discuss the formation of plans to occupy Gaza City, following the directive of the cabinet. While there have been many reported tensions between Prime Minister Netanyahu and his cabinet and Zamir, the Chief of Staff stressed the importance of unity and cohesion between the two in order to achieve victory.
About 80,000 to 100,000 soldiers are expected to be called up for the operation, which aims to eliminate Hamas forces in one of their two remaining strongholds in the Gaza Strip, the other being the central camps centered around the city of Deir el-Balah.