Israeli PM Urges Negotiators to Persist in Hostage Release Efforts

Synopsis

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called on negotiators to persist in efforts to secure the release of hostages in Gaza. This directive follows an assessment of the ongoing situation amidst stalled ceasefire negotiations, with military pressure being emphasized as the primary strategy to compel Hamas to release the captives.

Key Takeaways

Israeli PM Netanyahu emphasizes continued efforts for hostage release.
Over 59 hostages are still held by Hamas in Gaza.
Military operations have intensified in Gaza to apply pressure on Hamas.
UN reports significant displacement of Palestinians since the ceasefire ended.
New proposals for negotiations are under review by Hamas.

Jerusalem, April 17 (NationPress) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed Israeli negotiators to "continue the steps" aimed at securing the release of hostages currently held in Gaza, according to his office, as attempts to restore the ceasefire seem to be at a standstill.

"The Prime Minister has issued an instruction for the continuation of the steps to facilitate the release of our hostages," the office explained on Wednesday in an official statement.

This statement came after a meeting to assess the situation regarding the 59 hostages still in Gaza, involving the negotiating team and leaders of the security establishment, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

Israeli forces have captured more than half of Gaza in a renewed offensive intended to pressure Hamas militants into releasing hostages, following Israel's termination of the ceasefire last month.

Additionally, Israel has declined to withdraw from certain areas in Lebanon after a ceasefire with the Hezbollah militant group last year and has established a buffer zone in southern Syria after rebels ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad in December.

"Unlike previous operations, the (Israeli military) is not withdrawing from areas that have been cleared and captured," Defence Minister Israel Katz stated.

The military "will maintain its presence in the security zones as a buffer between the enemy and (Israeli) communities in any temporary or permanent situation in Gaza – similar to Lebanon and Syria".

The United Nations has reported that about 500,000 Palestinians have been displaced since the ceasefire ended, creating what it describes as the most critical humanitarian crisis faced by the territory since the war began after Hamas's attacks on October 7, 2023.

On Monday, Israel's state-owned Kan TV revealed that Egyptian and Qatari negotiators have put forth a new proposal to Hamas, which includes the release of approximately 10 hostages and a temporary truce.

Hamas acknowledged in a statement that it is currently reviewing the proposal.

The Israeli military announced that it has "achieved full operational control over several key areas and routes throughout the Gaza Strip".

"Nearly 30 percent of the Gaza Strip's territory is now classified as an Operational Security Perimeter,” they added.

Israeli air strikes have targeted "nearly 1,200 terror targets" and have conducted "more than 100 targeted eliminations" since March 18.

Katz stated earlier this month that the military is leaving Gaza "smaller and more isolated".

Israeli officials have consistently claimed that military pressure represents the only viable approach to compel Hamas to release the 58 hostages still being held in Gaza.