CNN reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday “has opened several opportunities” after Israel’s military operations in Iran, including the possibility of bringing the remaining hostages back in Gaza, CNN said.
Speaking at the convenience of a Shin Bet Security Agency in Southern Israel, Netanyahu said, “As you probably know, many opportunities have been opened after this victory. First, to save the hostages. Of course, we will also need to resolve the Gaza issue, defeat Hamas, but I believe that we will complete both missions.”
Netanyahu’s remarks indicate a change in rhetoric, with a clear emphasis on hostage recovery on the primary target already stated to defeat Hamas. CNN reported that for the first time, the Israeli Prime Minister has publicly placed the withdrawal of hostages on the destruction of Hamas in its list of priorities.
For months, Netanyahu emphasized the “total victory” over Hamas as Israeli’s highest purpose. In early May, he announced to defeat Hamas as the main priority, not freeing the hostages. Reported by CNN, their latest comments come amid growing criticism from families of hostages and opposition politicians to not give precedence for the release of prisoners.
Responding to Netanyahu’s comments, the stage headquarters of hostage families reiterated their demand for a comprehensive deal to bring back all 50 hostages and end the fight. The forum said in a statement, “What is needed is release, not rescue. This difference of a word can mean the difference between liberation and loss to the hostages.”
Netanyahu also mentioned that “broad regional opportunities are opening,” the Abraham agreement is likely to make efforts to broaden. However, despite such statements, the Israeli attacks on Gaza continue. According to Palestinian Health Ministry, over 150 Palestinians were killed over the weekend, and new withdrawal orders have forced more citizens along the coast to shrink areas.
Netanyahu’s comments come at the time of increasing pressure from US President Donald Trump that reaches a ceasefire deal with Hamas. Negotiaters have made renewed efforts to resume dialogue after the end of Israel’s operation in Iran. On Sunday evening, Netanyahu held a high level meeting with chief ministers and advisors including Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Defense Minister Israel Katj to discuss the development in Gaza. Dermer is expected to meet US officials at Washington, DC on Monday, CNN said.
Trump, who has supported Netanyahu through his ongoing legal troubles, reiterated his call on social media: “Make a deal in Gaza. Get the hostage back !!!” CNN reported that Netanyahu, whose trial on corruption charges, was resumed, was delayed this week, when a confidential judicial session revealed a change in the “clear structure”.
Meanwhile, American envoy Steve Witcoff carried forward a resolution, including 10 living and 18 deceased hostages, in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire, with a conversation with negotiations for a permanent ceasefire. Hamas has sought a guarantee of strength for a permanent end of enmity.
Despite the continuous bombing, a security source said that the Israeli army now supports a diplomatic resolution after the struggle of more than 20 months and the targeting of the senior leadership of Hamas, CNN said.
According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, more than 56,000 Palestinians have died in Israel’s operation since the war began, including more than 17,000 children. On Sunday, Israeli attacks on Jablya al-Balad and Jablya al-Nazleh died at least 15 people, and emergency teams said many more were trapped under the debris.
CNN said, “Northern Gaza emergency services chief Ferrus Afana said,” One of the houses that took place were filled with displaced Palestinians, most of whom were children, “CNN said. (AI)