Netanyahu rejects partial hostage deal
Amid renewed reports of Hamas’ flexibility on a phased ceasefire-hostage agreement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office declared Saturday night that Israel will only accept a comprehensive deal that secures the release of all captives at once.
Rally earlier this month in Tel Aviv AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg
“The Prime Minister’s Office clarifies that Israel will agree to a deal on condition that all the hostages are released in one go, and in accordance with our conditions for ending the war, which include the disarming of Hamas, the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, Israeli control of the Gaza perimeter, and the installation of non-Hamas and non-Palestinian Authority governance that will live in peace with Israel,” the statement read.
The clarification came as Hamas was reported to be reconsidering the so-called Witkoff proposal by U.S. special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff. He proposed a 60-day ceasefire plan under which roughly half of the remaining hostages would be freed, followed by negotiations on a permanent truce. Netanyahu dismissed that approach on Saturday night, reiterating that he “will not agree to a partial deal.”
Meanwhile, Israel is preparing for a new stage of its Gaza campaign. Beginning Sunday, the Israel Defence Forces will start transferring tents and shelter equipment into southern Gaza to house hundreds of thousands of civilians expected to be displaced ahead of an offensive to seize Gaza City.
The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) tweeted that the aid movement is designed to facilitate civilian evacuation.
“In accordance with the directive of the political echelon, and as part of the @IDF preparations to move the population from combat zones to southern Gaza for their protection, the supply of tents and shelter equipment to Gaza will resume tomorrow (Sunday),” COGAT said. “The aid will be transferred through the Kerem Shalom Crossing by the UN and international organizations, following a thorough security inspection.”
Meanwhile, Israelis prepared for a nationwide general strike and demonstrations calling for an immediate agreement to bring the hostages home and end the war. Demonstrations began Saturday night in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square and in other cities.
The general strike is being organised by the October Council, representing relatives of hostages and fallen soldiers. Hundreds of municipalities, businesses, universities, tech companies, and civic organisations have already pledged participation. Events will begin at 7 a.m. and include marches, speeches, and rallies throughout the day. Protest convoys are expected to converge in Tel Aviv by evening, culminating in a march with families of the hostages to Hostage Square, where a central rally is scheduled for 8 p.m.
Approximately 1,200 people were killed and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas’s attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the 50 remaining hostages, around 30 are believed to be dead.
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