Israel says it will only accept a ceasefire deal ensuring release of all Gaza hostages.
The stance follows Hamas’ announcement of accepting a Qatar- and Egypt-brokered proposal.
An Israeli official on Tuesday said the country is insisting on the release of all hostages still held in Gaza, a day after Hamas announced it had accepted a ceasefire-for-hostage deal proposed by Qatar and Egypt.
The official, who asked not to be named, did not dismiss the plan but stressed that Israel “demands the release of all 50 hostages in accordance with the principles set by the cabinet for ending the war.” He added, “Israel’s policy is consistent and has not changed. We are in the final stage of defeating Hamas and will not leave any hostages behind.”
According to Palestinian sources, the proposal includes a prisoner swap in which 10 Israeli hostages would be exchanged for 200 Palestinian prisoners. It also provides for immediate humanitarian aid such as fuel, water and electricity, along with assistance for hospitals, bakeries and rescue operations.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier said his Security Cabinet agreed that the war would only end if five conditions were met: the disarmament of Hamas, the release of hostages, Gaza’s demilitarization, continued Israeli security control, and the appointment of a non-Israeli administration to manage the territory.
The nearly two-year-long Israeli offensive in Gaza has killed more than 62,000 people and led to famine conditions that have claimed dozens of lives, according to Gaza health officials.
